Carnival celebrates 50th anniversary of Bahamas' independence

Junkanoo is the national cultural festival for the Bahamas featuring spectacular parades of Bahamians in vibrant costumes performing dance routines. The celebration featured an overview of the history of Junkanoo and special live performances from a local Bahamian Junkanoo troupe and the Royal Bahamas Police Force Band.

Approximately 150 government, community and business leaders from the Bahamas joined Carnival officials for the event and luncheon.

50 years of shared history

'Carnival has partnered with the Bahamas since we first started sailing more than half of a century ago, and we are honored to celebrate the country’s 50 years of independence, resilience, strength and progress,' Carnival President Christine Duffy said. 'As we commemorate the anniversary, we look forward to our future together, bringing millions more visitors to experience all the beauty and culture the country offers.'

Leaders at the celebration included the John H. W. Pinder II, parliamentary secretary of the Ministry of Tourism, Investments & Aviation; Leslia Miller-Brice, chair of the Bahamas Independence Secretariat; and Latia Duncombe, director general of the Ministry of Tourism, Investments & Aviation.

'We are a paradise nation that is known for our pristine natural resources, culture, diversity and world-class hospitality,' Pinder said. 'Partners like Carnival have helped showcase all we have to offer the world and contributed to our country’s flourishing economy over the last five decades. I thank them for their longstanding commitment now and in the future.'

Celebration Key details coming soon

The day’s festivities took place as work continues on Celebration Key, Carnival's cruise port destination on Grand Bahama Island. Later this month, Carnival will announce additional details of its first private destination and open bookings for at least 10 ships from multiple homeports that will include a visit to Celebration Key, with the first cruises calling in July 2025.