Feathers, Fêtes & Freedom: My First Bahamian Carnival!

Listen. NOBODY could’ve prepared me for the magic that is Carnival in the Bahamas. I thought I was just coming for a little sunshine and soca—but baby, I got baptized in glitter, bass, and pure joy.

From the moment I touched down, the energy was electric. The colors? Loud and proud. The people? Gorgeous and glowing. And the vibe? Unapologetically alive.

I had barely unpacked my suitcase before slipping into my costume—hello sequins, feathers, and body glitter! Let’s just say I understood the assignment. The music poured through the streets, and we moved like the sun was watching and the moon was taking notes.

Dancing? Nonstop. Rum punch? Flowing. Waistlines? Moving like they had GPS to the rhythm. Somewhere between the DJ hollering “Woiii!” and me forgetting how many hours we’d been in the sun, I realized I wasn’t just attending Carnival—I was living it.

There’s something sacred about letting go with strangers who feel like family by the end of the road. Carnival gave me permission to be free—free to move, free to laugh, free to shine. And trust me, I did all of the above.

If you ever get the chance to experience Carnival in the Bahamas—say yes. Say yes to the feathers, the heat, the rhythm, the revelry. Say yes to you.