Facts About Nassau |
|
|---|---|
| Country | Bahamas |
| State | Island of New Providence |
| Founded | Rebuilt/Renamed 1695 |
| Area | 207 km2 |
| Population | 0.24 million estimate |
| Lat Long Coordinates | 25°4′N77°20′W |
| Time Zone | EST (UTC−5), EDT (UTC−4) |
| Calling code | +1-242 |
| Language | English |
| Major Religion | Christian, of various denominations, primarily Baptist, Anglican, and Catholic. |
| Point of interest | Rose Island, Paradise Island, Junkanoo, Blue Lagoon Island, Spanish Wells, Fort Fincastle, Fort Montagu, National Art Gallery of The Bahamas, Lake Killarney |
About city :
The Bahamas have become one of the most glamorous holiday destinations where you can get an endless supply of sun, sand, and sea and taste a unique culture. Nassau is the capital of the Bahamas and is its largest city. It is located on Providence Island which is the eleventh largest island in the Bahamas. The northern part of the city is surrounded by Paradise Island. Nassau and Paradise Island are almost inseparable and they have grown into a busy metropolis with growing tourist traffic.
Originally named Charles Town, the city was burned down by the Spanish in 1684. It was rebuilt in 1695 and was renamed Nassau. The sheltered harbor of Paradise Island attracted a number of pirates including the infamous Blackbeard. Most of the population of Nassau in fact consisted of pirates. It was in 1718, that Woodes Rogers – the first Royal Governor of Nassau expelled the pirates and build Fort Nassau. Even today, the people of Nassau follow his motto – “Expulsis Piratis, Restituta Commercia,” meaning Pirates expelled, commerce restored. Today, approximately 248,000 people live in the city.
Geography :
Nassau is located on the island of New Providence which is eleventh in terms of size in the Bahamas. Poised between the Caribbean and Atlantic, it was formerly noted as Charles Town, The main road of the city is Bay Street which follows the shoreline. The highest point of the city lies 85 meters above sea level.
The city is located in the tropical region. So, it has a warm moist climate with marine influences. The traditional seasons are replaced by a cool, wet, and wettest season. During summer, the daytime temperature in Nassau almost always exceeds 30 degrees centigrade. December to April are the cooler months. Snow occurs in very rare cases. In general, the warm Gulf Stream flows by the coast and exerts a moderating influence on the climate.
How to reach (transport) :
The easiest way to reach Nassau is by air. Flights are available to a number of American cities from the Lynden Pindling International Airport of Nassau. Connections by air also exist with London and Toronto. The airport is located about 16 km from the city and this distance has to be traveled by taxi.
Nassau has become a favorite port of call for cruise ships. You can also sail to the city and dock at the Prince George Wharf. In addition to cruise ships and pleasure boats, ferries are also available from Nassau to visit other places in the Bahamas.
When to visit :
The humid subtropical climate means Nassau is warm and humid for the most part of the year. The best time to visit the city is between December and April with December, January, and February being the peak season. These are the coolest months with little possibility of rainfall and the days are crisp and clear.
Fairs and Festivals :
From the time when the pirates were driven out, Nassau had become the shelter for a wide variety of people – mostly from the southern states of the USA and Mexico. Today, it is a bustling metropolis with growing trade and commerce, the result is that Nassau has a very colorful culture, rich with elements from America, the Black population, and the island lore. This is expressed in the costumes, music, and traditions of the people. The impromptu musical welcome which is sometimes offered at the airport is a true example of the spontaneity and hospitality of Nassau.
Several events and festivals are celebrated in the city. The most famous and most colorful is the Junkanoo festival which is celebrated in the last week of December. Resembling the Mardi gras in some respects, this festival represents the culture of the Bahamas though no historical records of its origin have been found. Groups of about 100 people dress up in different costumes and move through the streets of Nassau. The traditional music and dance of the Bahamas are celebrated in colorful costumes made of fabric, wood, cardboard, and crinkled paper.
In addition, other festivals are organized from time to time. For example, the Nassau Classic Car Festival is held in early January where classic cars are exhibited and paraded. The New Years’ day sailing regatta is another event when sailing sloops gather in Montagu Bay. The Farmer’s Cay festival is held in mid-February where cruising yachtsmen gather in Nassau.
November is the best time for festivals in Nassau. Guy Fawkes Day is celebrated with lots of vigor with nighttime parades and the burning of the effigy of Guy Fawkes. The other is the Music and Heritage festival of the Bahamas which is held in the last week of the month. Bahamian music, performing arts, and ‘fun walks’ are celebrated.
Points of interest (places to visit) :
The city of Nassau itself is a beautiful place to explore. You should not miss walking around the old town and shopping for souvenirs. You can also visit the Pompey Museum where a permanent exhibit dedicated to the African experience in the Bahamas is kept.
Another attraction is the Retreat Gardens where about 170 species of rare and exotic palms are kept.
Since the original population of the city consisted of pirates, no tour of Nassau can be complete without a visit to the Pirate museum.
Accommodation :
A comfortable place to stay is indispensable to a good vacation and Nassau more than fulfills your expectations. The most luxurious hotels are mostly located away from the core of the city on Paradise Island. The luxury hotels of Nassau include the Atlantis towers and the Cove Atlantis, Atlantis Coral Towers, the Sheraton, etc. Harborside resort, Marley Resort, Nassau Palm hotel, Red Carpet inn, Riu Paradise Island, Sunrise Beach club, etc are other accommodations.