FROM THE BEGINNING…1995-2007
To celebrate the 50th Anniversary of the United Nations, then Minister of Foreign Affairs, Sir Orville Turnquest, asked James Catalyn to create a cultural event. UN Day is held annually on October 24, so the International Cultural Weekend was held the nearest to that date.
The first Committee Meeting was held in June 1994, comprised of representatives from several countries from around the world. They created the first weekend event October 21 & 22, 1995, held at the Botanical Gardens.
OUR HISTORY…from 2009
Under the auspices of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Festival fosters friendly relations and understanding between Bahamians and the international resident community. This high quality organic experience, that emerged from members of the community, has become an international signature event, that serves to demonstrate just how diverse and cosmopolitan The Bahamas has become.
The Festival also provides a global platform for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to encourage foreign countries to consider staging food and cultural weeks as well as host more trade missions to The Bahamas. Strategically, this makes The Bahamas a far more interesting and sophisticated place to live and visit by broadening and deepening the vacation experience and quality of life that is available here.
Since its reinstatement in 2009, the Festival has proved to be arguably the most popular Festival in The Bahamas attracting up to 20,000 visitors each year. Every year we add exciting new features, more booths and more stage presentations. Ever-popular with adults and children, the Festival provides fun activities for all ages.
2009:
The stage at the first event held after the Festival’s re-instatement – and renaming – to the International Cultural Festival, a new name, new look and new logo.
Top image: Cultural group from the Philippines in 2009.
2009: The USA had several booths, organised by the US Embassy in Nassau.
2010: Children who participated in Culturama did a dance demonstration on stage
2011: The Haitian Embassy was our Spotlight Nation and brought in art, crafts, dancers – and rum!
2012: Mexico featured young performers who delighted the crowds with their enthusiasm and talent.
2013: The crowds came out on a sunny day at the Botanical Gardens.
2014: The cigar roller demonstrated his expertise in the hugely popular Cuban Village.
2015: Myanmar featured delicious food, art and some spectacular pearls!
2016: University of The Bahamas students performed on stage and had the crowd dancing to the music.
2017: The dancing continued, this time to the beat of the Cuban dancers.
2018: We honoured founder James Catalyn, who died in August. His niece Gina Catalano accepted the memorial plaque. On left Minister of Education Jeffrey Lloyd, on right ICWFF President Janet Johnson
2019: The kids (and some adults!) enjoyed the Petting Zoo and Pony Rides
2020/2021: …AND THEN COVID
HIT THE BAHAMAS!
2022: a change of venue! After 27 years the Botanical Gardens were no longer available. This year we were at Collins House. We also introduced a cashless festival – a first worldwide to function as such, together with a national Central Bank.
2023: And we moved again! This time to historic Fort Charlotte.
