Echoes in the Wood: The Architecture, History, and Cultural Resilience of Harbour Island’s Loyalist Cottages

 

A classic example of late 18th-century Loyalist architecture in Dunmore Town.

Source: Remanz / Getty Images

 

Echoes in the Wood: The Architecture, History, and Cultural Resilience of Harbour Island’s Loyalist Cottages

Stepping onto the narrow, golf-cart-lined streets of Dunmore Town on Harbour Island is less a journey in distance than a profound shift in time. Beyond the world-renowned blush of its pink sand beaches lies a built environment that serves as a living repository of the late eighteenth century. The defining feature of this landscape is the collection of Loyalist Cottages—quaint, pastel-hued wooden structures that have withstood centuries of intense Atlantic hurricanes, economic shifts, and social transformations.

Far from mere picturesque backdrops for modern travelers, these cottages represent a brilliant architectural synthesis: the blending of New England maritime building traditions with the harsh, unforgiving realities of a subtropical climate. They stand today as structural testaments to a complex colonial migration and the enduring craftsmanship of the Bahamian people.

FREE Eleuthera Junkanoo Summer Camp

 

THE ELEUTHERA JUNKANOO SUMMER CAMP IS HERE!

This summer is packed with exciting activities and now children and young people will have the opportunity to learn, create and celebrate one of the most beautiful traditions of The Bahamas.

After a brief conversation with Mr. Johnson, Assistant Culture Officer, we're pleased to share that the Eleuthera Junkanoo Summer Camp will begin next Monday and run until July 24, from 9:00 AM to 1:00 PM.

The Opening Day will also serve as Registration Day.

For complete details and registration information, please contact the numbers provided on the official flyer attached.

We were especially pleased to learn that this is a FREE summer camp, made possible through the Ministry of Culture, Arts & Heritage of The Bahamas and that it welcomes Bahamian citizens and residents and visitors.

What a wonderful opportunity for our young people to spend part of their summer developing creativity, learning new skills, making new friends and helping keep the vibrant spirit of Junkanoo alive for future generations.

Let's encourage our children and young adults to take part in this incredible cultural experience.
 

Junkanoo to the World!

 

Related article: Junkanoo: Securing Cultural Heritage Through Youth Engagement

Annual Pre-Independence Beat Retreat - June 28th, 2026

 

 

 

 Annual Pre-Independence Beat Retreat - June 28th, 2026 

Junkanoo Training

 

 

Music Makers Junkanoo practice and training on Joe Billy Park, Fowler St., Nassau, Bahamas. Keepin' it alive into the future.

 

Related article: Junkanoo: Securing Cultural Heritage Through Youth Engagement

37th Annual Pineapple Festival

 

37th Annual Pineapple Festival

 

June 5th - 6th, 2026

Pineapple Festival Park

Gregory Town, Eleuthera 

 

"Sister Rose" - Bahamas AI Art

 ©A. Derek Catalano

 

The Practitioner of Obeah: History, Beliefs, Roles, Fear, Power, and Cultural Meaning

A practitioner of Obeah is a person who works within a spiritual and folk-magical tradition that developed primarily among African-descended peoples in the Caribbean. Obeah has long existed in places such as Jamaica, The Bahamas, Barbados, Trinidad and Tobago, and Guyana. The Obeah practitioner occupies a mysterious and often controversial position within Caribbean society — feared by some, respected by others, misunderstood by many.

To understand what an Obeah practitioner truly is, one must look beyond horror stories, superstition, colonial propaganda, and sensational myths. Obeah is not merely “black magic,” nor is it simply a religion. It is a complex spiritual system, a cultural survival mechanism, a form of folk healing, a psychological force, and historically, a weapon of resistance against oppression.

The practitioner of Obeah is therefore not just a magician or sorcerer. He or she is often viewed as a healer, diviner, herbalist, protector, spiritual advisor, curse-breaker, counselor, medium, and sometimes avenger.

Junkanoo Samurai Warrior

 

"Junkanoo Samurai Warrior" - Bahamas AI Art

 ©A. Derek Catalano

"Junkanoo Samurai Warrior" - Bahamas AI Art
 ©A. Derek Catalano

 

 More Junkanoo here on Native Stew

The Worldview of The Bahamas: Cultural Values, National Identity, and Political Skepticism

 

"Lift Up Your Head" - Bahamas AI Art

 ©A. Derek Catalano

 

 

The Worldview of The Bahamas: Cultural Values, National Identity, and Political Skepticism

The worldview of the Bahamian people is shaped by a complex blend of historical experience, religious tradition, cultural pride, communal values, and political realities. At its core, Bahamian society is deeply influenced by Christianity, which plays a central role in shaping public morality, social expectations, and national identity. Christian beliefs and values are highly visible in Bahamian life, influencing attitudes toward family, ethics, governance, and social behavior. As a result, Bahamian society generally maintains conservative social values, particularly regarding family structure, marriage, and personal conduct.

70th Annual National Family Island Regatta

 

70th Annual National Family Island Regatta

 

April 21st-25th, 2026

Georgetown, Exuma

The CAPAS Bill is now law

 

CAPAS: Creative And Performing Arts School

 

The CAPAS Bill is now law. For years, talented young Bahamians lacked the support to take their craft further. Now, they have a place to train, grow, and build careers in the creative arts - right here at home.

In the vibrant tapestry of The Bahamas where every thread is woven with the profound love for the performing arts, CAPAS stands proudly as architects of dreams, sculpting aspirations into breathtaking masterpieces.

Learn more at http://capas.gov.bs

It’s Regatta Time

 

 "Close Race" - Bahamas AI Art

 ©A. Derek Catalano

 

 

It’s Regatta Time

The sails are trimmed, the breeze is fine,
The drums of joy begin to chime,
From Nassau docks to Exuma’s line —
The islands sing: It’s Regatta time!

The sloops stand proud in the morning sun,
Wooden masts gleam, the paint’s just done,
Their crews prepare — the race begun,
For skill and bragging rights hard-won.

Each island’s team, with colors bold,
Tell stories sailors love to hold:
Of brave men racing seas of gold,
Where wind and pride are never sold.

The captains grin, their eyes like flame,
Each knows by heart the ocean’s name,
Their island chants ignite the game —
Who’ll take the crown, who’ll claim the fame?

7th Annual Long Island Mutton Festival

 

7th Annual Long Island Mutton Festival

 

The Ministry of Tourism, Investments & Aviation (BMOTIA) proudly unveils the seventh annual Long Island Mutton Festival, two days of vibrant culture, Bahamian flavor and unforgettable community spirit. Set for 20–21 March 2026 at the iconic Salt Pond Cultural Site, this year’s festival promises an even bigger celebration of Long Island’s beloved mutton tradition. Read more>>

Religious Songs and Drums in the Bahamas - Various Artists

 

In this collection of Religious Songs and Drums in the Bahamas, Marshall Stearns demonstrates the strong external influences on Bahamian music and culture. The religious music by the Baptist-Methodist Group and the Congregation of the Church of God suggest a certain influence of American gospel music, while the drumming of the “Ring Game,” “Heel and Toe Polka,” and “Jumping Dance” indicate a continuance of African drumming traditions with the scraping element of a saw, unique to Bahamian “rake ‘n’ scrape” music.

 

 

 

 

 

Religious Songs and Drums in the Bahamas

Release Date: 1953
Label: Folkways Records

Tracklisting:
Alfred Henderson - Ring Play 00:00
Alfred Henderson, Gabriel Adderly - Fire Dance 01:14
Baptist-Methodist Group - In the Upper Room 03:46
Baptist-Methodist Group - Please Hear Me When I Call 07:26
Baptist-Methodist Group - Walk and Talk to Glory 10:44
Church of God Congregation (Nassau, Bahamas) - Church of God Congregation, Nassau-1 13:08
Church of God Congregation (Nassau, Bahamas) - Church of God Congregation, Nassau-2 16:42
Church of God Congregation (Nassau, Bahamas) - Church of God Congregation, Nassau 23:08
Harcourt Symonette, Gabriel Adderly, Alfred Henderson - Jumping Dance 26:30
Howard Johnson, Alfred Henderson - Heel and Toe Polka 30:58
Howard Johnson, Alfred Henderson, Gabriel Adderly - Jook Dance 32:20

 

Related music: I Don't Like Rum 

Related music: Conga Scrape

Acklins Cascarilla Festival

 

The 5th Annual

 

Acklins Cascarilla Festival

 

June11th-14th, 2026

 

Spring Point, Acklins

 

The Acklins Cascarilla Festival is a vibrant cultural celebration held annually on the island of Acklins in The Bahamas. The festival honors the island’s rich heritage and highlights the historical importance of the cascarilla tree.

 

Related article: Cascarilla: Nature, Uses, and Value

Regatta Dates 2026

 

Related article: Bahamian Sloop Sailing and Regattas

20th Annual Bahamian Music & Heritage Festival

 

20th Annual Bahamian Music & Heritage Festival

 

The Ministry of Tourism, Investments & Aviation announces the staging of the annual Bahamian Music & Heritage Festival, marking 20 years in existence. The two-day festival scheduled for 13-14 March is scheduled to take place in George Town, Exuma, at the Regatta Park. 

Under the theme, “Celebrating our past, embracing our future”, this year’s festival marks two decades of honouring the vibrant culture, music and traditions of The Bahamas, offering an immersive experience that highlights the spirit of Bahamian heritage.  Read more>>

Forward, Upward, Onward, Together

"Together" - Bahamas AI Art

 ©A. Derek Catalano

 

 

Forward, Upward, Onward, Together

An Ode to the Bahamian Spirit

In the heart of the Lucayan sea, where the turquoise waters roll,
There lives a mantra etched in gold, the heartbeat of a soul.
Not merely words upon a crest, or ink on parchment dried,
But a sacred vow of unity, a nation’s source of pride.
Four pillars hold the ceiling high above our island home,
From the pine forests of Abaco to the Inagua’s salt-white foam.

Forward is the steady beat, the drum within the breast,
The refusal to be stagnant or to settle for the rest.
It is the stride of progress since the dawn of '73,
A sovereign people breaking chains to find their destiny.
Like the marlin in the current, we push against the tide,
With innovation in our hands and history as our guide.
It means we build the bridges where the gaps were wide and deep,
And plant the seeds of industry for future sons to reap.

Upward is the eagle’s gaze, the lifting of the eye,
To heights of excellence that reach beyond the summer sky.
It is the student in the classroom, the athlete on the track,
The reaching for the highest star and never looking back.
It speaks of moral character, of rising from the dust,
Of building up a government on integrity and trust.
Like the towering Royal Palm that bends but does not break,
We lift our standards higher for the next generation's sake.

242Day Celebration Meal

 

242Day Celebration Meal - ©A. Derek Catalano

 

Pan fried bread, fried Snapper, chunky conch chowder.

 

 

 242Day Guava duff - ©A. Derek Catalano

 

 

#242Day #CelebrateBahamas 

Bahamian Poetry by James Catalyn

 

James Catalyn with Bahamas Flag

 

 

Being Bahamian

by james j. Catalyn ©11th june 2009

I am proud of my heritage
My colour
My people
I am proud of my language, “Bahamianese”
My music
My foods
I am proud of those who have achieved
And those who may not have had
The opportunity
They are my fellowmen
I am proud of my National Symbols
And my faith in things spiritual
I am proud that I am me
And being Bahamian
I am Bahamian and Proud!

Celebrate 242Day

 

 "Celebrate 242Day Bahamas" - Bahamas AI Image

 ©A. Derek Catalano

 

 

 Celebrate 242Day

On the twenty-fourth of February, hear the islands say,
Rise up, hearts of turquoise seas, it’s bright 242Day.
From coral keys to bustling towns where trade winds gently sway,
We gather as one people proud to honor who we are today.

The sun spills gold on ocean blues, on sands so warm and wide,
And every wave that kisses shore brings Bahamian pride.
It whispers through the coconut trees, it hums in Junkanoo drums,
It lives in every smiling face wherever our spirit comes.

So dress yourself in colors bold that mirror sea and sky,
Aquamarine and gold and black, let every banner fly.
Wrap up in Bahamian print, bright patterns stitched with care,
Let fabric tell our story loud in marketplaces fair.

Wear the flag upon your chest, let strangers see it shine,
A living sign of who we are, this heritage divine.
For black speaks strong of people’s might, our unity and name,
Gold beams warm as sunlight’s hope, aquamarine seas our claim.