Who's Ready for the Goombay Festival?

by Marianna E Perez 04/12/2020

Coconut Grove is known for many things. Lush greenery, nice homes and lots of cool festivals. The Goombay Festival is no exception, giving locals and visitors a glimpse into the Bahamian life. One of the coolest things about South Florida is that you never stop learning new things. There so many cultures in Florida, especially the southern part. Miami is full of islanders from all over the world, but the Bahamas is only about 45 minutes from the mainland.

What’s the Goombay Festival All About?

Here’s where you’ll get a chance to experience the culture in real-time. First, there’s a parade with a Junkanoo Band with drums, bells and whistles. Do you know what a Junkanoo Band is? They have colorful costumes, some of them are on stilts, and of course, the Royal Bahamas Police Force Band rounds out the parade. It’s quite a sight to see!

This event has gone on for almost 40 years, providing a cultural funfest where the melting pot that is Miami comes together. Held in the summer every year, it’s an outdoor concert filled with food, street vendors and lots of dancing. Celebrating Bahamian culture, local radio stations also join in to provide talent on different stages.

Once you’ve had your fill of all the excitement, you can wind down in the area by visiting Cocowalk, Mayfair in the Grove, or the Shops at Merrick Park. If you’re hungry, you can catch dinner while overlooking the city at the Panorama Restaurant, or a movie. Looking for more? The historic gardens of Vizcaya may be calling your name.

A Reason to Get Out of the House

If you’ve just relocated to the area, this is a great way to get out and explore your surroundings. There’s no limit to the amount of fun you can have, and you’ll also get to see first-hand what the Bahamian culture is all about. Have you ever had conch salad? It is a delicious island delicacy known for making your mouth water once you’ve had some.

Are you ready to dance and learn about the Bahamian culture? It’s time to throw on some comfortable clothing, grab your sunglasses and head down to have the time of your life. A word of caution: you may be super-tired from dancing, full from all the food and ready to crash when you get home. I’d say that’s a great trade-off. Wouldn’t you?

About the Author

Marianna E Perez

Marianna E. Perez is a Real Estate professional with over 20 years of experience. A lifelong resident of South Florida, she keeps her finger on the pulse of the latest trends and movements in the real estate market. She offers clients top-notch guidance from start to finish, ensuring the entire process is seamless, efficient and rewarding. Prior to entering real estate, Marianna was Senior Vice President of Commercial Real Estate Banking at City National Bank of Florida. She provided strategic leadership facilitating profitable and efficient origination of real estate loans. Marianna was a trusted advisor to clients and to the bank growing a real estate portfolio to over $300 million. She is firmly committed to the philosophy “not quantity, but quality,” which she practices in both her personal and professional life. Marianna is a graduate of FIU where she earned a bachelor’s degree in business management. She is a member of the Miami Association of Realtors, a lifetime board member of the BASF (Builders Association of South Florida), a member of CREW (Commercial Real Estate Women), and ICSC (International Council of Shopping Centers). She is also involved with the Women’s Leadership Council (United Way TNC). In addition, Marianna has received these special industry accolades: Housing Hall of Fame inductee 2017 Builders Association of South Florida, Associate of the Year 2017 Builders Association of South Florida, Florida’s Best Awards Chair 2016 and 2004 Builders Association of South Florida, Vice President 2008 Builders Association of South Florida, President’s Award 2008 and 2003