King Charles joins vibrant Bahamas festival with roots in colonial resistance

Upon arriving at the House of Assembly on Parliament Square, the King was welcomed by senior political figures, among them the Bahamian Prime Minister, the Chief Justice and the Leader of His Majesty’s Loyal Opposition.

The Junkanoo is a cherished cultural tradition in The Bahamas, and Charles appeared to relish the opportunity to immerse himself in the colourful spectacle.

At Parliament Square, the King met with Bahamian students participating in The King’s Foundation Building Craft Programme.

This initiative, created in partnership with the Lyford Cay Foundations, a Bahamian educational charity, is designed to safeguard and advance traditional building skills across the islands.

Students on the programme receive hands-on training in a range of heritage trades, including carpentry, stonemasonry, blacksmithing, shingle roofing and lime plastering.

The scheme reflects a commitment to ensuring that The Bahamas’ architectural craft traditions are passed on to the next generation, equipping young people with practical skills rooted in the nation’s built heritage.

The King also toured a series of exhibition stands displaying Bahamian arts and crafts, local delicacies and cultural products, taking the opportunity to speak with Bahamian artists before greeting well-wishers from the public.

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Moving to Bay Street, His Majesty was introduced to Mrs Arlene Nash-Ferguson and Mr Silbert Ferguson, the husband-and-wife team behind Educulture, a museum devoted to the Junkanoo tradition.

The pair shared insights into the cultural significance of the celebration with the monarch.

As they spoke, a festive Junkanoo street parade set off along its route, bringing the visit to a suitably exuberant conclusion.