Nassau, Bahamas – For the first time in its history, The Bahamas will host Festival Rum Bahamas, a celebration of Rum, Food and Culture. The festival, which will become an annual fixture on the culture calendar, will be held February 2014.
The Festival organizers are excited to share the history, food and culture of The Bahamas in this unique way. According to Alexandra Lynch creator and visionary of the festival, the reasons for creating a festival of this kind were clear.
“The Bahamas has a lot to offer, more than sun, sand and sea. We wanted to create a festival that showcased aspects of our history that we don’t typically celebrate, piracy, rum-running, and how those past events have given birth to our distinct flavours and a culture of appreciation for the art and beauty of rum making. ”
The Ministry of Tourism is fully onboard as the marketing partner for the festival. Andrea Jackson-Coakley shared that “Festival Rum Bahamas is an excellent fit with the tourism product of The Bahamas. It provides yet another compelling reason for visitors to travel to The Bahamas, and it also shines a spotlight on our world class rum, our tantalizing cuisine and our cultural craft products.”
Festival Rum Bahamas is an enticing mixture of local, regional and international rum exhibitors. During the three day festival there will be product sampling, master classes on rum, bartending and cocktail competitions, as well as Caribbean music and food. Of course there will be the opportunity to buy all that you try.
The festival organizers are promising that the 2014 Festival Rum Bahamas will be regionally competitive and offer a unique cultural experience for Bahamians and visitors.
Operations Director Catherine Chisnall-Mitchell added “We will have some of the world’s finest rum on offer at the festival; they represent the Caribbean region at its best. We are especially proud to have the Watling’s Distillery on board. To compliment these great products we plan to create an entertainment package of equal value. Prepare to eat, to dance and to have three days of purely distilled enjoyment.”
Recognising the power of social media, Festival Rum Bahamas can be found on Facebook and Twitter @RumBahamas, where there are daily updates, cocktail recipes, vendor news and information.
The blue ribbon event of the festival will be 2014 Mixologist Competition, where the best bartenders in the region will compete to win gold, silver or bronze medals for the best rum cocktail.
By Clarence Rolle
