How to Spend Independence Day in the Bahamas

If you go to the Bahamas during the time of the United States' Independence Day, you'll get two holidays for one! The Bahamians celebrate July 4th like in the United States, but they also have their own Independence Day celebration in early July. As of July 10, 1973, the Bahamians became independent from Great Britain as well. If you want to celebrate Bahamian Independence Day, here is how to do it in the Bahamas.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

How to Plan and How to Get There

1. There are many islands in the Bahamas, so the first thing you need to do is choose an island. Two of the more popular islands are Grand Bahama and Nassau on New Providence Island. Either one of these choices would be great for an Independence Day celebration. Try the Bahamas tourism website in the Resource section (below) for more information.

2. e B, and explore it to find out more about each island. You might find information about Independence Day celebrations here as well. If not, try an internet search of Bahamas Independence Day celebrations to get an idea.

3. Once you choose an island, you need to get there. You could fly, take a cruise ferry, take a cruise line or hire a private boat or private plane.

4. 
   Take a flight to the Bahamas...

   By following the links on the Bahamas tourism website associated with your choice, you can find out which ways are available for reaching the island of your choice. For example, from the Getting There page, click on 'Airline' and then 'Scheduled Air.' This will pull up all the airlines that fly to the Bahamas and which island each flies to. Once you discover an airline that works for you, you can visit that airline's website, or a different online source, to book your flight.

How to Enjoy Your Bahamas Independence Day Celebration

5. You will want to find out what Independence Day celebrations are taking place on the island you will be visiting. You may already know from performing an internet search to decide on your island. If not, you can wait until you arrive and ask the locals. The Bahamians are incredibly friendly when you ask questions.

6. Your hotel should also have information about upcoming local events and celebrations. Ask the concierge or activities desk about how and where the island will celebrate July 4th and July 10th.

7. 
   Enjoy Fireworks for the Independence Day Celebrations!

   The hotel itself might be having a celebration of its own. For instance, if you stay at Atlantis on Paradise Island, they will most likely have their own Independence Day celebrations including fireworks displays.

8. If you are staying on Grand Bahama island celebrating July 4th is simple. One major celebration will take place at Port Lucaya Marketplace, by the water. There is an outdoor area surrounded by some of the restaurants and shops with a stage. Generally, you will find live bands playing mostly American music all evening on July 4th.

9. There is also a Junkanoo parade on July 4th, where the Bahamians dress up in costume and have a parade on the main road near the Marketplace.

Resources

• Official tourism website of the Islands of the Bahamas
• Yahoo Farechase website
• Port Lucaya Resort and Yacht Club website
• Atlantis Paradise Resort