Weekend Junkanoo Events All Summer in Nassau

Bummed because you missed the Bahamas annual Junkanoo festival in June? No worries: the new Junkanoo Summer Festival brings flashy costumes, dancing crafts, traditional foods and more to Nassau's Heritage Village at Arawak Cay and Woodes Rogers Wharf on Fridays and Saturdays throughout the summer.

Junkanoo, by the way, is the Bajan name for festive parades featuring elaborate costumes and rhythmic dancing that originated with the slaves brought to the island from West Africa in the 18th century. My Bahamas Events and Festivals page has more information ...

A number of Nassau hotels and resorts are offering special deals to promote the Junkanoo Summer Festival, including the Wyndham Nassau Resort ($99 for the first two nights; third night free through Aug. 31); the Sandals Royal Bahamian (up to 50 percent off, with all-inclusive rates starting at $193 per person); and the British Colonial Hilton Nassau (Spa Vacation Package starting at $335 through Dec. 31; three-night minimum required).