Hello Beautiful!
Saturday October 22ND, was the first time I got out and enjoyed myself since Hurricane Matthew and it really was a great feeling! I curled my hair, applied some make up, and threw together a cute boho chic outfit to attend the 21st International Wine Cultural & Food Festival held at the Botanical Gardens in Nassau, Bahamas.
The “Food Festival” as it is called for short is one of the most anticipated events in the Bahamas every year! With countries from all over the world participating and selling some of their native dishes, and crafts, the event draws a huge crowd of all ages for a celebration of uniqueness & culture.
I’ve been attending this event from I was a child. My mom would take me and my younger brother every year, until we were old enough and started going with our friends, and hopefully one day I’ll be going with my own little family.
I love the “Food Festival”! Here’s a recap of my day…
First I stopped by a Bank of the Bahamas exchange booth, to change my Bahamian money into Festival dollars. You’re not allowed to change the Festival Dollars back into Bahamian money, so I decided to start with a small amount of $30. By the end of that day I spent like $60 in total.
Next, I took a stroll around the garden, just to see what all the countries had to offer before I started shopping and spending money. I stopped by Peru, Haiti, Jamaica, and The Bahamas amongst others.
After walking around I found my first stop! The Eye Candy Makeup store booth was offering face painting, temporary tattoos and Henna ink. I’m a big tattoo lover and I’m intrigued by the Indian culture so I was excited to get a Henna Ink tattoo on my left hand. It was $10.00, and I paid it in Festival Dollars.
Next, I started searching for food. A friend recommended Tacos from Mexico, but I didn’t see their booth this year. Eventually I settled for something quick and easy, a stuff crab from a Bahamian booth. I didn’t want to walk around with food, and the stuff crab is small, easy to hold and you can eat it quickly.
I’m not a big alcoholic drinker, but Kalik had a special drink at the festival called the “Pink Front”. Don’t ask me why it’s called that, but it was a very light but tasty drink. It’s a mix of Peach Schnapps, Cranberry Juice and the kicker, a Kalik Radler. Kalik is a Bahamian beer brand. I loved that drink, and plan on mixing my own when the mood hits.
At the festival there are also live performances, so I took some time out to watch a dance performance and fashion showcase before more walking around again. I saw people sitting on blankets and cots watching the show. I’m going to keep that in mind for next year so I can sit and watch the performances comfortably.
The International Wine Culture & Food Festival is a beautiful event that brings so much people together. The Bahamas is truly a melting pot, so it must be such a pleasure for non-Bahamians who live here to enjoy their culture during the 2-day event. You will smell different aromas of different foods and the sweet sounds of each countries national music. You will see old friends and meet new ones. It’s a blast to attend.
Do’s for the Food Festival:
- Wear Flat Shoes! Some parts of the ground are uneven and you may fall.
- Dress Cool and Comfortable because the sun is very hot!
- Budget how much you want to spend that day, because you can go overboard.
- Ask for samples of the food and drinks.
- Carry an Umbrella and a blanket or lounger chair. Seats are limited, create your own!
- Research some main dishes from other countries and make a list to try them.
- Go with Family, Friends or PETS!
- Carry a tote to collect all the goddies and trinkets you may purchase.
- Go early, and leave late! Make a day of it.
- Carry a camera, the day makes for great pictures!
See more pics from My one-day experience at the IWCFF 2016:
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