It’s not hard to understand why the Bahamas is so well-loved by travelers from the world over. With its beautiful white-sand beaches, swaying palm trees, vibrant and colorful culture as well as its delicious dining scene, the Bahamas has long-held a name for itself as a tropical oasis where visitors can relax, unwind and restore the body and mind under a glittering sun. While the Bahamas has perfected the art of vacation, it is a destination with a rich and complex history that calls to those with a passion for exploring and understanding the past. For those travelers looking for a way to indulge in the island experience while being a part of a meaningful historical celebration, be sure to book a trip for the second Monday in October when Discovery Day is underway.
Meaningful History for Your Bahamas Travel
Falling on the same day as Columbus Day in the United States, Discovery Day Bahamas is a celebration of Christopher Columbus’s feats of exploration in 1492. The day is treated as a public holiday across the islands with many schools and businesses closed for the event. The highlight of the Discovery Day celebrations includes a ceremony at Rawson Square in downtown Nassau that includes a speech by the Prime Minister. Discovery Day Bahamas is generally looked at as a day where friends and families gather for seaside picnics to enjoy time together and recognize the accomplishments of late explorers who made such an impact in history.
A Transformative Holiday
In 2013 it was decided that while Discovery Day was meaningful, renaming the holiday National Heroes Day would allow the people of the islands to recognize a vast number of national heroes who had paved the path towards great change in the Bahamas. Once this change went into effect, the Rawson Square ceremony was adjusted to include time dedicated to naming national heroes for the year. These national heroes make up a list of historical figures and modern-day influencers who have left the Bahamas better for their existence. The Prime Minister takes time to speak as to why each of these individuals should be recognized on this very important holiday during the National Heroes Day speech.
Luxurious Island Living
A trip to the Bahamas for Discovery Day is destined to delight. Make sure to take your Bahamas travel experience to the next level of excellence by booking a vacation rental home with Island Real Estate. Our portfolio of properties come complete with stunning views, luxurious furnishings and the space you need to feel like you’ve truly stepped into your island home away from home. Contact us today for more information on our Bahamas villas!