25th Annual Pelican Point Coconut Festival

The 25th Annual Pelican Point Coconut Festival, held on Easter Monday, brought together locals and visitors for a day featuring a variety of coconut-inspired delights, Bahamian traditional games, live performances by Bahamian entertainers, and a Junkanoo performance by the Swingers. (BIS Photos/Danielle Rollon)

Grand Bahama, The Bahamas

– The highly-anticipated 25th Annual Pelican Point Coconut Festival took place on Easter Monday, April 21 2025, attracting hundreds of visitors and residents, offering a vibrant celebration of Bahamian culture with a unique twist of everything coconut.

Festival Highlights

The event featured an exciting lineup of live musical performances by Bahamian entertainers, heritage-themed games for attendees to participate in, a variety of coconut-inspired dishes and pastries from local vendors and an energetic Junkanoo performance by the Swingers, providing an unforgettable experience for all in attendance.

Official Opening

During the official opening, Minister for Grand Bahama, the Hon. Ginger Moxey congratulated the Coconut Festival Committee on reaching this significant milestone. “This remarkable milestone celebrates your commitment to honouring our Bahamian heritage and history. It is also a testament to the strength and the resilience of the residents of Pelican Point. I commend your hard work, dedication, and the legacy you have built over the past 2.5 decades,” she said.

“The Coconut Festival has become one of Grand Bahama’s most cherished cultural events. It unites residents and visitors across the island in a grand celebration of our Bahamian culture, fostering a sense of belonging and community.”

“I encourage you to support every vendor on this site. Enjoy the delicious coconut food and desserts, the gully wash, authentic food, arts and crafts, and of course, the rake and scrape music,” she added.

Remarks from Dignitaries

Also offering remarks at the festival was Nuvolari Chotoosingh, General Manager of the Ministry of Tourism, Investments, and Aviation (MOTIA) in Grand Bahama. He welcomed attendees to Pelican Point and expressed his excitement about the increased turnout. He shared that additional transportation had been arranged to ensure more visitors could attend and enjoy the festival. He encouraged everyone to take part in the celebration, savouring the food, music, and the lively atmosphere.

Kwasi Thompson, Member of Parliament for East Grand Bahama expressed, “East Grand Bahama is known as the festival capital, not just in Grand Bahama, but the festival capital in the entire Bahamas. The reason why I say that is because we have the most festivals in East Grand Bahama than any other constituency, and that goes all the way from McLean’s Town all the way to Freetown.”

He went on to emphasise that these festivals are more than just celebrations; they are vital to the communities that host them, fostering camaraderie and an expression of local pride and culture.

Tribute to Cathy Laing

A highlight of the ceremony was a special tribute to Cathy Laing, the Coconut Festival Committee Chairman, for her exceptional dedication over the years. Her tireless efforts have been instrumental in continuing the community’s legacy of this festival.

Conclusion

The 25th Annual Pelican Point Coconut Festival was a resounding success, bringing together locals and visitors for a day of celebration and cultural exchange. The event showcased the best of Bahamian culture, with a unique twist of everything coconut. We look forward to the next edition of this beloved festival.

Frequently Asked Questions

When is the Pelican Point Coconut Festival held?

The Pelican Point Coconut Festival is held on Easter Monday every year.

Where is the Pelican Point Coconut Festival held?

The festival is held in Pelican Point, Grand Bahama, The Bahamas.

What can I expect at the festival?

The festival features a variety of coconut-inspired delights, Bahamian traditional games, live performances by Bahamian entertainers, and a Junkanoo performance by the Swingers.