The 15th annual Cultural Festival took place over the October 16th and 17th weekend at the Botanical Garden in Nassau. Thousands attended throughout the weekend to idyllic weather conditions.The event offered locals and tourists the opportunity to get a taste of the countries participating whether it be through food, drink, dance, dress or products sold from the particular country.

Twenty-six countries were represented and each of the countries vied for best booth. This year the overall winner was Cuba, who had more like a village than a booth. 

By region the winners were: Europe: France #1 and Spain #2; Asia: Phillipines #1 and Myanmar #2; North America: Mexico #1 and USA #2; Africa: South Africa #1; Bahamas:Rock Oven #1 and Mortimer's Candy Kitchen #2; and Central/South America": Peru#1. 

The following are remarks made by the Hon. Brent Symonette, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs, who officially opened the Festival: 

Members of the Diplomatic Corps, Members of the Consular Corps, Members of the International Cultural Festival and the Advisory Council, Members of the Press, Distinguished Ladies and Gentlemen, boys and girls, Good Morning. 

The 1960s song “Melting Pot”, sung on this stage today here in The Bahamas in 2010 by Berkley Van Byrd on, epitomizes what was envisioned some 15 years ago when this Festival was first conceived (by a visionary and my predecessor as the then Minister of Foreign Affairs, Sir Orville Turnquest) … and it is due to the hard work and commitment of all of YOU that we are gathered here this morning, celebrating the start of the 15th Annual International Cultural Festival.