The nation’s largest black heritage festival celebrates the historical and cultural impact of the first black settlers to arrive in South Florida: the craftsmen and laborers from the nearby Bahamas who came to Miami in the early 1800’s to build the Peacock Inn; Coconut Grove’s first hotel.  As a result, in 1976, community activists became dedicated to commemorating the early roots of Coconut Grove through arts, culture, heritage, and music. They sought to preserve and perpetuate the history and culture through celebration of a Bahamian-style festival. The first weekend in June each year honors the legacy of the Miami/Bahamian culture that has become what we know today as the “Miami/Bahamas Goombay Festival.

In 1976, despite the lack of funds to support the idea of a festival. Mr. William R. Rolle (Billy), a visionary and pioneer along with nine other community activists came together and established the Miami/Bahamas Goombay Festival in Coconut Grove, Inc. A Florida non-profit 501 (c) organization. Through their hard work and passion for an almost forgotten segment of the community; the board members along with a group of volunteers began the tradition with the support of their first two sponsors; the City of Miami and NCL Cruise Lines. Since then over 75 different sponsors from various industries have supported and/or partnered with the Miami/Bahamas Goombay Festival.

Today, it has become a perfect opportunity for major corporations to find unparalleled marketing opportunities to reach a minority audience. According to the US. Census report Miami-Dade County’s black population has increased by 19% growing to 504,980 in 2004, up from 423,335 in 1994. 34% of the black population in Miami are from the Caribbean. However, today the Bahamians are the largest single foreign group; making them our chief trade and tourism partners. 

The “Miami/Bahamas Goombay Festival” is celebrating its 32nd anniversary on Saturday June 7, 2008. The festival is a single day action packed extravaganza with pre-event festivities attracting thousands of people. Today over 300 vendors travel from near and far to share the experience by expressing their culture through arts/crafts, food, & music.

Looking back while looking forward to another 32 years of Goombay... Watch us as we pass on important traditions of the Miami/Bahamian heritage.

We shall preserve and continue to
"Share the Experience With You!"