About Grand Bahamians 

If you’ve done some international traveling, or met foreigners in your hometown, you probably discovered right away that people are more alike than they are different. Almost everybody enjoys good food, laughter, and love. Grand Bahamians are no different. If you are contemplating a trip to the island and wondering if the locals are friendly, relax: they are probably among the most easygoing people on Earth. 

Many of the 50,000 people on Grand Bahama Island were not born here. They hail from all over The Islands of The Bahamas.  Locals in Freeport/Lucaya can give you a good understanding of the nuances of Bahamians in general. Grand Bahamians in particular, however, are probably best known for their entrepreneurship and a devotion to the great outdoors.  

Knowing a bit of history also helps when it comes to understanding Grand Bahamians. In 1834, when Great Britain banned slavery throughout its empire, former slaves in The Islands of The Bahamas were allowed to stake claims on whatever open land they could find, and many of Grand Bahama Island’s older settlements such as Pinder’s Point and Williams Town were founded by former slaves. These towns are almost invariably named after their founders or a former slave owner.

Colorful Junkanoo, the most significant festival on the island, also hails from the days of slavery, when slaves were given a special holiday on the day after Christmas. The past and its traditions are very important to Grand Bahamians, as is a healthy dose of religion. Visitors are generally welcome to attend any of the number of churches on the island.

One of the best ways to learn more about the culture and history of Grand Bahamians is through the People-to-People Program, which brings together visitors and residents of similar professions, hobbies, etc. to create special memories of our destination that will last a lifetime.