Bahamian cultural extravaganza of music and delicious Island bites a wow factor at South Florida reception
Coconut Grove – An impressive crowd including members of South Florida’s Consular Corps, business and other key influencers in the South Florida community and the local media, were feted to a dazzling display of Bahamian culture at a reception held Thursday, July 23rd, at the Kampong, Coconut Grove. The event was in celebration of The Bahamas’ 42nd Independence Anniversary.
South Florida Reception
The reception, The Miami Bahamas Junkanoo Festival kickoff, was a joint effort between the City of Miami, The Bahamas Consulate General Miami and The Bahamas Tourist Office, Florida. It featured the world famous Royal Bahamas Police Force Pop Band. Other highlights of the evening were an exciting display of color and sounds, by group, Bahamas Junkanoo Revue. Additionally, guests enjoyed delicious Island tastes from Bahamian chefs flown in for the event.
The music of The RBPF Pop Band captured and delighted the audience.
The crowd enjoyed signature Bahamian cocktails and foods. They ate conch salad, conch fritters, and crawfish salad on cool cucumbers. They also had chicken and creamy grits, beef pastries, and breaded shrimp. Chefs prepared the dishes and drinks. The team included Chef Sheldon Tracey Sweeting, Chef Ron Johnson, and Mixologist Marv Cunningham.
Photo Credit: Letisha Henderson
Miami Bahamas Junkanoo Festival
Organizers of Thursday night’s event, noted that among the goals of the Miami Bahamas Junkanoo Festival was to:
“Emphasize the special synergy of harmony and goodwill between the City of Miami and the Commonwealth of The Bahamas and promote the history, traditions, culture, family and community unity of West Grove and South Florida as the Bahamian Diaspora.”
Bahamas Consul General Miami, H. Ricardo Treco, said, the event was about closing the gap of Bahamian presence in South Florida. He explained, “I really wanted to bridge that gap and bring back some Bahamianization into South Florida,” he said.
Bahamians in South Florida
Also commenting on the role of Bahamians in South Florida was a prominent businessman in the Miami area, Monty Trainer. President of the Coconut Grove Arts Festival, Mr. Trainer, who is also of Bahamian descent, said he’s pushing for Coconut Grove to be called “Little Bahamas”.
Photo Credit: Letisha Henderson
The records of Florida history include information on the major role that Bahamians played in establishing Coconut Grove, Florida. Bahamians were also involved in the building of the City of Miami, while taking part in what was known as “The Contract”.
Historians have recorded that in 1896 when Miami was chartered as a city, more than 40 percent of the black population was Bahamian.
