Bahamian Culture on Full Display during Heritage Celebration at Marlins vs Mets Game

MIAMI, Florida, 26 June 2022– The Miami Marlins challenged the New York Mets this past weekend during their series opener against the backdrop of a beautiful Bahamian-themed night with the second edition of the Bahamian Heritage Celebration. The festivities at loanDepot park on 25 June honoured Bahamian son of the soil Jasrado “Jazz” Chisholm Jr — second baseman for the Marlins.

The aquamarine, gold and black colours signifying Bahamian pride lit up the park’s promenade and a pregame Junkanoo rush out led by the Bahamas Junkanoo Revue of Miami and legendary Junkanooers Barabbas Woodside and Langston Longley moved the nearly 20,000 spectators to their feet. Percy "Vola " Francis "King of Junkanoo" in The Bahamas and Leader of the world-famous Shell Saxons Superstars Junkanoo Organisation also made a special appearance during the performance, showcasing his popular “Vola Shuffle” dance move. The crowd too joined in the celebration with many spectators waving their Bahamian flags, beating their goatskin drums and dancing to the pulsating music.

percy _vola_ francis performing during a junkanoo rushout at the marlins_mets game

Bahamas Minister of Youth, Sports & Culture the Hon. Mario Bowleg threw out the first Marlins’ pitch of the game, and spectators were treated to even more Bahamian experiences throughout the night. The Heritage Celebration is a collaborative initiative by the Miami Marlins, the Bahamas Consulate General (Miami) Office, the Bahamas Ministry of Tourism, Investments & Aviation (BMOTIA), the National Sports Authority (NSA) of The Bahamas and Bahamas Baseball Association (BBA).

Of the Bahamian Heritage Celebration headlining the game, Latia Duncombe, Acting Director General, BMOTIA, said, “This is a proud moment for The Bahamas, to witness one of our own excel in Major League Baseball, and to see Bahamian heritage being celebrated before thousands of fans. This event is a great opportunity to showcase the authentic cultural expressions that visitors to our destination can experience.” Chisolm’s outstanding talent combined with his charismatic persona has made him an allaround fan favourite as the first Bahamian player with the Marlins franchise and only the seventh Bahamian in Major League Baseball (MLB) history. 

the bahamas government delegation at bahamian heritage celebration

This year, fans were also able to receive an exclusive Bahamian Heritage Marlins Jersey and a collectible Jazz Chisholm Jr. bobblehead souvenir, presented by loanDepot. The night ended with a postgame concert featuring lively and rhythmic Bahamian music marking an exceptional celebration of the country’s deep ties with Miami.

two year old luna marshall shows off her jazz bobblehead

ABOUT THE BAHAMAS
With over 700 islands and cays and 16 unique island destinations, The Bahamas lies just 50 miles off the coast of Florida, offering an easy flyaway escape that transports travelers away from their everyday. The Islands of The Bahamas have world-class fishing, diving, boating, birding, and nature-based activities, thousands of miles of the earth’s most spectacular water and pristine beaches waiting for families, couples and adventurers. Explore all the islands have to offer at www.bahamas.com or on Facebook, YouTube or Instagram to see why It’s Better in The Bahamas. For more information, visit https://www.mlb.com/marlins/tickets/specials/bahamian-heritagecelebration/johnson

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PRESS INQUIRIES
Anita Johnson-Patty Director,
Global Communications Bahamas Ministry of Tourism & Aviation
ajohnson@bahamas.com

Weber Shandwick Public Relations
Bahamas@webershandwick.com

Jon Erik Alvarez
Miami Marlins Director of Communications
jalvarez@marlins.com

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