Embassy of The Bahamas, Brussels
Brussels, Belgium
21 November 2024
Press Release
The Bahamas celebrated 51 years of independence and diplomatic ties with Belgium by gifting a vibrant Junkanoo costume to Brussels’ iconic Manneken Pis, showcasing its rich cultural heritage
This morning, at the iconic Hotel d’Ville in Grand Place, Brussels, The Bahamas proudly celebrated its 51st anniversary of independence and 51 years of diplomatic relations with the Kingdom of Belgium. The event spotlighted a cherished tradition of diplomacy—the exchange of cultural gifts—serving as a bridge to foster mutual understanding and celebrate cultural diversity.
In a moment steeped in history and cultural significance, The Bahamas joined an illustrious tradition dating back to 1471 by presenting a Junkanoo costume to the Manneken Pis, the beloved symbol of Brussels. This vibrant gift, titled “Ooh Ooh Junkanoo”, represents the unique cultural heritage of The Bahamas.
Junkanoo, inscribed on UNESCO’s List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity, is a cornerstone of Bahamian culture, showcasing artistry, rhythm, and storytelling. The costume will offer the 30,000 daily visitors to the Manneken Pis an opportunity to appreciate Bahamian traditions and celebrate the shared humanity that transcends borders.
The Bahamas is deeply grateful to Johnny and Stacey Lee of the Saxons Superstars and Sophie Wéry for their dedicated efforts in preparing this magnificent cultural offering. Through exchanges like these, The Bahamas and Belgium reaffirm their commitment to fostering harmony, understanding, and unity across the globe.
About The Embassy, Belgium: The Embassy of The Commonwealth of The Bahamas to the Kingdom of Belgium and Mission to the European Union serves to enhance both bilateral and multilateral relations with the European Union, the Organisation of African Caribbean and Pacific States (OACPS), the Community of Latin and Caribbean Countries (CELAC) as well as other organisations and is an active participant in the Caribbean Group of Embassies in Brussels. We invite you to contact us and experience why it’s “better in The Bahamas”.
For more info: https://bahamasembassybe.com