Starting this weekend, the Bahamas Ministry of Tourism & Aviation kicks off its 2nd Virtual Junkanoo Summer Festival (JSF), scheduled for three consecutive Saturdays, Aug. 14, 21 and 28, 2021.

The virtual festival will air on the TourismTodayBahamas Facebook page and will feature “all things Bahamian,” sharing generational knowledge on customs and traditions, Bahamian delicacies, and enlightening viewers on the art and history of Junkanoo.

Junkanoo Summer Festival is one of the Ministry of Tourism’s premier events that happens annually and since its inception in 2015, the festival has grown in popularity. Consequently, it has been expanded to include additional authentically Bahamian talents, this year including Ira Storr and the Spank Band, Geno D., Lady E and Veronica Bishop.

The event will be hosted by Bahamian singers and songwriters Dyson and Wendy Knight and will end with a live Junkanoo performance by an all-star junkanoo band.

Although virtual for a second year due to the pandemic, organizers promise an entertaining and engaging showcase of Bahamian culture and the creativity of the Bahamian people, their music and dance, stories, cuisine, and local drinks.

“We’re extremely proud and excited to bring this unique cultural event to residents and visitors,” says Charity Armbrister, Director of Cultural and Authentic Events at the Ministry of Tourism & Aviation. “We love showcasing the many talented Junkanoo groups here in The Bahamas and those who have made it their life’s commitment to preserve our culture. The Ministry is pleased to bring more attention to the wonders of The Bahamas, especially since the unexpected invasion of the Covid-19 Pandemic.”