HISTORY OF THE GOOMBAY FESTIVAL IN COCONUT GROVE

In the early 1800's the first black settlers which were Bahamians came to South Florida to find jobs and homes for their families. They were craftsmen and laborers. In 1976, several citizens from Coconut Grove, Florida wanted to pass along a piece of the rich Bahamian heritage thru a Bahamian style festival.

The Miami/Bahamas Goombay Festival is a celebration of culture expression embracing the legacy of a Bahamian-rooted community known as Coconut Grove. Over the years the festival has become a colorful parade of energetic, brightly costumed people dancing to the rhythmic sounds of cowbells, drums, and whistles. Vendors prepare to share their authentic Bahamian and American cuisine in booths that align the streets. The street festival transforms Grand Avenue into a journey across the ocean, creating a perfect harmony of Caribbean culture of the Bahamas and the African American vibe of Miami-Dade County.

This year will be the 36th Annual Goombay Festival celebration with many new activities. The Miami/Bahamas Goombay is dedicated to preserving the authenticity of the Goombay Legacy. The festival's board members strive to provide a historical overview of the American/Bahamian culture by educating and exposing the public to its rich heritage and traditions.

OUR MISSION

The Miami/Bahamas Goombay Festival in Coconut Grove, Inc. is dedicated to recognizing, promoting and educating the residents of Miami-Dade County as well as the tourists about the rich Bahamian and American Heritage and what makes this such a unique and positive blend. The Festival is held to bring about unity and bridge a cultural gap by building communities through the understanding of each other's likenesses and differences.

The Festival committee strives to provide a historical overview of the Bahamian Culture, the American Culture, the commemoration of the early Coconut Grove settlers, and to introduce the music, authentic native food specialties, artifacts, and crafts that are indigenous of the island. We are also committed to educate and showcase the origins of the Royal Bahamas Police Force Band and the "RUSHIN" Junkanoos.

We shall preserve and continue to
"Share the Experience With You!"