Colors of Harbour Island - traditions, festivals, mentality and lifestyle

The descendants of European and American colonists and African, slaves who were brought here and forced to work on the plantations, live presently in peace and harmony. Today European, American, and African traditions are mixed together and this fusion forms its own unique environment. All the locals, for instance, speak English, which is also the only state language. At the same time, however, you’d be able to have a conversation with those islanders who work in tourism or just live in large cities. The reason for it is that the majority of Harbour’s population speaks Creole since the first settlements on the island. The dialect is formed from French and Dutch and languages of the Dark Continent so even the most common phrases of those languages sound completely different in Creole.

Almost half of all the local islanders work in tourism. The other half still do fishing and their traditional crafts. Officially the island is governed by the Royal Family; in practice, the local administration takes all decisions. Even though the locals don’t consider themselves as Englishmen, they respect the traditions of Great Britain and the Royal Family. That’s why it’s better not criticize the British Crown or to make negative comments concerning the time of the island’s colonisation.

The majority of locals belong to Christian confession in its various forms. However, there are also many people who are atheists. People of Harbour Island believe that religion is a private matter. No one here argues about it or tries to impose one’s own views. So, even a complete workaholic would be able to finally relax because of the calm atmosphere of the island. This aura can be explained by the belief of the islanders that it’s worth living for pleasure. And it actually makes sense: endless summer, fertile land – what else you need to enjoy every day of your life? Also, you have to always remember that people here never say no. But it’s completely ok to postpone everything «until tomorrow», so if you want to be sure that your request will be completed or a meeting will definitely take place, then you have to set bold deadlines. Copyright www.orangesmile.com

The locals are fond of good humour and they’re always in a good mood. And they express this trade of their national character in music. The local goombay ensembles originally consisted of drums, a saw, rhythm sticks, maracas, and a kind of bass made of a wash-tube with strings tighten on it. People simply used everything to create music instruments, so to speak. Nowadays, there are modern performers who play electric guitars and saxophones, of course, but traditional ensembles exist even now too. You can listen to that music and learn more about it if you manage to come to Junkanoo music festival. It takes plays on a week between Christmas and New Year.

Junkanoo is the largest festival on the island depicting the local culture. There various parades with music and traditional costumes, theater plays, concerts of the local bands, and even take part in the open-air activities. The celebration lasts for a whole week! There are also juries there who choose the best dancer, musician, and a costume designer. People create their costumes not just from the usual materials. They also use sponges, leaves, diverse fabric, and crepe paper. As for a prize, winners get cash reward so the atmosphere of a celebration mixes with a spirit of competition.

We hope you don’t think there is no more fun on the island except for Junkanoo. The locals extremely love such mass holidays so they celebrate Liberation Day, Independence Day, Columbus Day and lots of other national days particularly important Britain or the whole world with the same big mood. Bahamas Food Festival, Rum Bahamas, various sports competitions take place here on the island as well. Besides, surfers, divers, yachtsmen also come to meet here, participate in contests and share their experience with each other. Another important aspect is that thanks to the great popularity of the island among tourists from all around the world, criminal activity is very law here. Still, be vigilant, unfortunately, pickpocketing is still typical for all touristic places.