The Bahamas Is Celebrating Its fiftieth Yr of Independence in 2023 — Here is What’s New

It is the right yr to plan a visit to the Bahamas.

This yr will present a second 50 years within the making for the Bahamas.

On July 10, 2023, the West Indies nation recognized for its turquoise waters and infectious, amiable spirit will rejoice the fiftieth anniversary of its independence. And, because it seems, it’s going to be fairly a celebration main as much as and effectively past the massive day.

“The resiliency and heat hospitality of the Bahamian persons are second to none, and pleasure is excessive to welcome vacationers…to rejoice 50 years of independence collectively,” stated the Honorable I. Chester Cooper, deputy prime minister and minister of tourism, investments, and aviation, in an unique interview with Journey + Leisure. “Throughout our 16 distinctive island locations, from Nassau Paradise Island and Grand Bahama Island to our unspoiled Out Islands, guests are met with a rejuvenated spirit, ecological wonders that have to be seen to be believed, and in 2023, grand cultural celebrations.”

A fast historical past lesson for context: The Commonwealth of the Bahamas was initially settled within the ninth century by the Lucayan individuals who got here north from the Caribbean. It was formally dubbed “San Salvador” by Christopher Columbus in 1492 and, by means of subsequent centuries, modified arms among the many British and Spanish. In 1783, the British solidified energy, and in 1834, slavery was abolished within the nation. After centuries of assorted rule, on July 10, 1973, the Commonwealth of the Bahamas declared its independence.

Preliminary fiftieth anniversary particulars offered to T+L promise “Golden Jubilee” festivities commemorating the previous, current, and future, every honoring the skills, creativity, and spirit of its individuals.

The Bahamas’ distinctive People-to-People program additionally guarantees to be on full show. The countrywide initiative connects vacationers with locals for hands-on experiences comparable to guided visits by means of Arawak Cay — house to the biggest barbeque within the nation — and farm excursions with the “Woman of the Pineapple Fields,” Lady Di.

Parts of the Golden Jubilee will geographically span the archipelago and embrace to-be-unveiled festivals and occasions. Vacationers are inspired to control Bahamas.com and the nation’s social media channels for the newest confirmed particulars.

Anniversary apart, a number of main enhancements and developments will roll out within the Bahamas this yr. Amongst them — following a $300 million redevelopment — Nassau’s new cruise port, with a Junkanoo museum, is slated to open in Might.

New this yr, crusing will formally be named the nationwide sport of the Bahamas, making these island hops to Elbow Cay and Little Harbour that rather more of a should. When it comes to a secluded and eco-friendly tour, Ragged Island — house to simply 72 inhabitants, in addition to Deadman’s Cay Caves and the Tropic of Most cancers Seashore — kicked off the yr by being designated 100% solar-powered, the primary Bahamian island to take action.

As for resorts, Nassau’s new Goldwynn Resort & Residences is now taking reservations for Feb. 1 and past, with choices overlooking the Atlantic and an adjoining golf course. Some key renovations have simply been accomplished as effectively, together with to The Cove on Eleuthera and the bungalow-clad Club Med Columbus Isle on San Salvador.

New properties are within the works, too — notably, the star-studded Paradise Island collaboration from Pharrell Williams and Miami-based hospitality guru David Grutman. Bearing the title Somewhere Else, the lodge is slated to open in 2024.

“The Bahamas is sustaining regular momentum,” Cooper advised T+L. “From the multimillion-dollar revitalization of downtown Nassau to eco-friendly improvements underway on Grand Bahama Island and the Ragged Islands, we’re placing our stake within the floor to declare what the Bahamas can be for generations to return: a contemporary Caribbean archipelago filled with alternatives.”

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