Performance Art in Bahamas

The arts have a significant role in Bahamian culture. This artistic expression is based on the dramatic themes and vivid colors of Junkanoo, but it is also strongly influenced by the way of life, social battles, powerful religious influences, and spectacular natural beauty. Numerous Bahamian artists have gained recognition on a global scale.

Straw weaving, wood carving, and art made of coral and stone are some of the most traditional art forms practiced in The Bahamas. Originally, straw weaving was used to make fishing nets and containers for fruits and vegetables. Palm fronds or palmetto leaves were woven into extremely beautiful patterns. Industrialization made the procedure less necessary over time, but the artwork's timeless beauty has made it become a sought-after tourist item. The Straw Market in Nassau is a well-known location with outdoor stalls offering furniture, trinkets, hats, purses, and baskets.

In The Bahamas, music and dancing are an essential aspect of daily life. Song and dance performances, grand parades, and concerts are just a few of the festivals that take place all year long. Afro-Caribbean musical genres like calypso, reggae, and soca are well-liked in The Bahamas. Every year on Boxing Day and New Year's Day, a festival known as Junkanoo is celebrated that features music, dance, and costumes of Akan origin. Much of the music that is a component of Junkanoo is made with cowbells and goatskin drums. Another well-liked musical genre in The Bahamas is known as "rake and scrape," which makes use of handsaws, concertinas (a free-reed instrument), and goombay drums.