Month by month - The Bahamas - page 28

April
Spring Break traffic slows to a trickle, signaling the beginning of the Bahamian
shoulder season. Rooms are slightly cheaper, crowds thinner and weather warmer.
FAMILY ISLAND REGATTA
Since 1954, Bahamian sailors have gathered in George Town, Exuma for an extravaganza
of sailing contests, cultural events and merrymaking ( Click here ). Designed to keep old-
fashioned boat-building alive, the regatta only allows wooden-hulled vessels with canvas
sails.
May
LONG ISLAND REGATTA
As spring rolls into high gear, the weather is warm and flowers burst from every corner.
More than 40 locally built sailing sloops, representing each of the Bahamian islands, com-
pete for prizes ( Click here ). Onshore rake 'n' scrape bands, sporting activities and Bahami-
an food keep it lively.
June
Summer is solid shoulder season in most of the Bahamas, except in Bimini, where
warm waters in the Gulf Stream mean better big-game fishing and bigger crowds.
ELEUTHERA PINEAPPLE FESTIVAL
Held in the Bahamas' historical center of the pineapple trade, Gregory Town, this four-day
fete celebrates the sweet fruit, with cooking demos, pineapple eating contests, pineapple-
themed sports competitions and the crowning of a Miss Teen Pineapple Princess ( Click
here ) .
BAHAMAS BOATING FLINGS
All month long through mid-August, lead boats guide flotillas of yachts across the Gulf
Stream from Fort Lauderdale, Florida, to Bimini to kick off the deep-sea fishing season.
Think road trip, but with boats ( Click here ) .
July
As summer rolls along, the weather turns distinctly steamy. Americans flood in for the
Fourth of July, which many Bahamian resorts honor with fireworks and festivities.
Less than a week later, Bahamian Independence Day means country-wide festivities.