Bahamas : public and bank holidays, closure of banks, stock exchanges, school vacations

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cards/flowers :

Secular holiday : Independence was granted by the UK in 1973

Secular holiday : The English settled in the Bahamas during the mid-17th century and brought African slaves with them to work in the cotton fields. Slavery was formally abolished in the British Empire by the Abolition Act of 1833, but it wasn't until 1838 that the slaves in the Bahamas were freed.

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Secular holiday : Formerly known as Discovery Day or Columbus Day, is now dedicated to honoring Bahamian national heroes.

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Catholic or protestant : Since pre-historic times in Europe, festivities (bonfires, offrerings) were marking the beginning of longer hours of daylight with fires and ritual. The Roman festival of Saturnalia lasted several days in December (gambling and offerings). Germanic tribes also celebrated mid-winter (drinking and rituals). The Bulgarian (with Koleduvane) and the Polish (with Gwiazdka) perpetuate this tradition. Jesus of Nazareth was probably born in springtime (Reformists favour autumn). But in the 4th century, December 25th was chosen for the celebration of his birth by Pope Julius I (Bishop Liberus is also mentioned in 354 A.D.). Thus, a Christian element was introduced in the long-established mid-winter festivals. Before 1582, the Papal States and other Italian city states celebrated New Year’s Day on Christmas Day.

Culture : The origin of the word junkanoo is rather obscure. It is believed it is tied to West African origins, as the costumes and conduct of the masqueraders bear similarities with the Yoruba Egungun festivals.

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