There’s one tradition Bahamians wait on to officially ring in the holiday season, and it happens at The Retreat Garden, where local flavors come alive and familiar faces greet each other like no time has passed at all. For more than 30 years, Jollification has embodied everything we love about the holiday season: creativity, community, and – of course – tings!

 

But Jollification’s roots grow way deeper than sampling your favorite cuisines. As The Bahamas National Trust’s premier fundraiser, it supports the care and upkeep of The Retreat Garden, one of 22 national parks under BNT’s portfolio. As proud sponsors of Jollification, ALIV stepped onto the grounds this year to hear the stories behind the booths. At the center of it all was Lakeshia Anderson, Executive Director of BNT, sharing the history of the event.  

“It really started with a group of volunteers who recognized the need for us to raise additional funds as a non-profit,” she explained. “It has grown exponentially since then. We have more than 100 vendors circulated throughout the property… and we’re really thankful to be able to partner with ALIV and others. Without corporate support, this event would not be possible.” 

Walking the grounds, the sense of community was unmistakable. Everywhere you turned, someone was reconnecting with someone they hadn’t seen all year, a sight that Alegura Armbrister says is one of her favorite parts of the Festival.

Representing the Original Margarita by Jimmy’s Wine & Spirits, their booth has been a Jollification favorite for more than 15 years. “This is the start of the Christmas season. It’s nice to see people supporting local vendors rather than just buying away and ordering online.” 

Just down the path, artist Tina Klonaris-Robinson of Good Energy Works shared how Jollification has continuously fueled her own creative journey and business. Known for her dotted paintings depicting lessons that we learn in life, Tina has set up a Jollification booth for two decades.  

“This might be one of my last years,” she joked, “but I say that every year and I keep coming back!” For Tina, the connection with people is what makes the experience powerful “Every time they see new products… they buy at the event, they take your card, they call you back. In the weeks following, we see a lot of business because of that.  

Then there was Kyle Higgs, a longtime attendee returning for the first time since COVID. “I am a Jollification veteran,” he said proudly. “It’s always a good time… a good opportunity to socialize and shop local also.” And before he walked off, he added the line that sums it all up: “Haven’t been to Jollification yet? Change ya ways!” 

Throughout the weekend, it became apparent why people have been attending and participating in Jollification since its conception. 

It celebrates community. It strengthens small businesses. It creates space for creativity to shine. Thanks to invested leadership at BNT who carry the mission close to their hearts, there’s also future plans to evolve with more entertainment and more opportunities for Bahamians to support each other. 

For us at ALIV, supporting events like Jollification reflects who we are. When Bahamians connect something extraordinary happens! 

That’s why It’s Good to Be ALIV.