What changes for residents: Miramar’s City Hall plaza will be the site of a new cultural festival from 2 to 9 p.m. on Saturday, July 18. The inaugural Bahamas Goombay Broward brings live music, traditional Junkanoo parades, food contests and a cultural village to downtown Miramar. Admission is free; a limited $100 VIP pass is available.
Who’s performing and who’s being honored
The festival will honor Isaiah Taylor, founding member and bassist of the Grammy Award-winning group the Baha Men, who are best known for the 2000s hit "Who Let the Dogs Out." Taylor will be the event’s headliner.
Local and regional performers listed for the event include Stileet, Avvy, Sweet Emily, Johny Cake and Julien Believe. According to event organizers, the program will also include Junkanoo parades and a battle of the conch fritters, alongside a cultural village showcasing Bahamian traditions.
"My goal is to make sure that people get their flowers while they are still alive," said Miramar Commissioner Avril Cherasard, a Bahamian who will host the event.
What to expect at the plaza
- Live headline performance by Isaiah Taylor of the Baha Men.
- Junkanoo parades with opportunities for attendees to join the rush for VIP guests.
- Food-focused competition: a battle of the conch fritters.
- A cultural village highlighting Bahamian music, dance and crafts.
Organizers say the festival is intended to create access for residents who have wanted a Bahamian cultural experience closer to home. Performer Julien Believe described the event as "creating a bridge for those who are further north who’ve always wanted to experience the Bahamas."
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Date | Saturday, July 18 |
| Time | 2 to 9 p.m. |
| Location | Miramar City Hall plaza |
| Admission | Free (VIP pass: $100) |
City and event officials have positioned this as Broward County’s first Goombay festival. Miramar residents should expect increased foot traffic at City Hall and surrounding streets during the afternoon and evening hours. Event organizers and city staff typically publish final logistics — including parking, road closures and security — closer to the date; attendees should check the city’s announcements for updates before traveling to the plaza.
The festival aims to blend entertainment with cultural recognition, honoring a Bahamian native and spotlighting traditional Junkanoo music and parade customs for Broward audiences.
