Nassau's Straw Market - Nassau - TravBuddy

The Straw Market is one of the most frequently visited attractions in Nassau, Bahamas. This is mostly due to its prime location. The Straw Market came about in the 1940’s after the local sponge industry came to halt. Local women needed another form of income and they turned to straw. The women planted and decorated palm trees and sisal plant leaves and began to weave things such as bags, baskets, hats and even little dolls for children. This hobby spread throughout the island and soon the market began a place to sell their wares.

The market itself is covered on the top only, leaving all of the sides open to allow a breeze to sweep through the cramped ailes. To this day women still sit at their stalls weaving little purses, dolls, etc for tourists. Many of the booths had small purses for children that had Spongebob and Dora the Explorer weaved onto them. Adult purses were either plan, had a decorative flowers on it or had the word Nassau written on them. The market is a great place to pick up other souvenirs as well. They sell conch shells, sea shells, sea biscuits and many other types of sea life along side shot glasses, key chains, beach towels and T-shirts. The prices are typically great and they have a wide variety.

I’ve been to the Straw Market a few times now and every time I’ve been swept with a horrible sense of claustrophobia. Although the ceiling isn’t particularly low and there are exterior walls, the aisles are jam packed with merchandise and people and I’ve found it to be uncomfortable.