Bannerman Park comes alive as Carnival's back-to-school tradition returns to Eleuthera
Carnival Cruise Line and its South Eleuthera partners once again send students into the new school year with backpacks, supplies and an afternoon of community celebration
Aug 21, 2026 — Bannerman Park was filled with music, games and the energy of hundreds of students and their families on Friday, Aug. 14, as Carnival Cruise Line returned to Eleuthera for its annual back-to-school giveaway, an event that has become a fixture of the island's late-summer calendar.
The family-friendly event saw Carnival distribute hundreds of backpacks filled with essential school supplies for primary, junior and high school students.. Families also enjoyed free food and beverages, sweet treats and family-friendly activities including bouncing castles and face painting.
The giveaway was made possible through Carnival's continued partnership with local vendors, businesses and community organizations across the island, including the Kiwanis Club of Central Eleuthera, the Kiwanis Club of South Eleuthera, and St. Glenelg Lodge No. 2, alongside The Order of the Eastern Stars, Prince Hall Affiliated of The Commonwealth of The Bahamas. The Kiwanis Club of South Eleuthera sponsored 150 grab-and-go snack bags for the children, the Kiwanis Club of Central Eleuthera donated three cases of hot dogs, and St. Glenelg Lodge No. 2, alongside The Order of the Eastern Stars, sponsored the children's sweet treats, including cotton candy and popcorn, and provided the bouncing castle.
"Every year, our Back-to-School Giveaways are one of the highlights of our community calendar," said Philcher Grant, director of public affairs and community engagement, The Bahamas & Turks and Caicos Islands, Carnival Cruise Line. "It’s a privilege to show up in a meaningful way for the families in the communities we call home, and help students start the school year with confidence and excitement. The partnership reflects a shared investment in Eleuthera’s next generation”
“Events like these are more than just fun,” said Nichola Hall, president, Kiwanis Club of South Eleuthera. “They create opportunities for children to learn, connect, build confidence, make lasting memories and feel supported by their community. When we invest in our children, we invest in their future.
“Our sincere thank you to Carnival. We truly appreciated the opportunity to be a part of an initiative that supports and celebrates our children as they prepare for another school year. It was a pleasure serving alongside you and helping make the day special for the children.”
This year's giveaway builds on similar Carnival events as part of the company's broader, ongoing commitment to the communities across its Bahamas and Turks & Caicos destinations.
###
ABOUT CARNIVAL CRUISE LINE
Carnival Cruise Line, part of Carnival Corporation (NYSE: CCL), the world’s largest cruise company with a portfolio of cruise lines operating in over 800 ports & destinations worldwide – and is proud to be known as America's Cruise Line and for carrying more Americans and serving more U.S. homeports than any other. Carnival sails more than six million guests annually and in 2023 was the first cruise line to sail more than 100 million guests in total. Operating from 13 U.S. and two Australian homeports, as well as seasonally from Europe, Carnival hosts more than 95,000 guests on its ships every day of the year and employs more than 50,000 team members, representing 120 nationalities.
Since its founding in 1972, Carnival has continually revolutionized the cruise industry and popularized the cruise vacation as an affordable and fun travel option. Carnival’s fleet of 29 ships reflects an exciting period of growth that continues with the addition of five ships through 2033: a fourth and fifth Excel class ship scheduled for 2027 and 2028 respectively; followed by three additional new ships from an innovative new class currently under development. Carnival’s newest guest offering is its all-new exclusive destination, Celebration Key on Grand Bahama, which debuted in 2025 to join the company’s Paradise Collection of Caribbean gems.
Media Contact: media@carnival.com