By Chakara Bennett, Guardian Summer Intern

If you see a man walking wearing a cool aqua shirt, blazing gold pants, and a deep black hat shaking some cowbells, singing really off-key and doing a shuffle with a smile caked on his face and there is no sign of a Junkanoo group practicing in the vicinity, chances are, he is either crazy, or he may just be that excited because of what today is. So don't be alarmed when you see a plethora of people in patriotically colored clothing walking around in droves or into your office today!

Rather, I urge you to join him and show your colors! Wave your flag! Lift your head high because today is National Pride Day, and Independence is right around the corner.

And as usual the week before that grand day we show ourselves right off and act like no one ever knew we were Bahamians before today because it is almost that time of year again when Nassau is a sea of aquamarine, gold and black.

National Pride Day which normally is recognized mostly as a national T-shirt day is a much bigger event than people realize. It is a day dedicated to showcasing all things Bahamian. And this year it kicks off at 7 a.m. at Rawson Square where good Bahamian music will be playing all day with other numerous activities taking place.

At 10 a.m. the official flagraising and commencement ceremony will take place and the winners from the best decorated home in Nassau and the best Independence-decorated shop will be announced and awarded.

Throughout the day artists will display their wares, and there will be food samplings from locals who know the art of "true true "Bahamian cooking.

Culinary school students at the College of the Bahamas will be in Rawson Square giving a cooking demonstration throughout the day. And of course, where there is something Bahamian there must be Junkanoo. The Colors Junkanoo group will be performing on Bay Street today, just for your entertainment and to get you in the mood. We should all know that Junkanoo isn't our only music type, so to give you a preview of his performances for a week dedicated to his influence on the development of Bahamian music, from 4 p.m.-5 p.m. Ronnie Butler will also be performing the hits you love and some of his new songs.

"National Pride Day is my brainchild and ever year we hold it, it grows and grows," says organizer Bobby Pinder, who is very proud of what has been planned for today.

"People love it because it's a true celebration of who we are. Some people say we don't show pride in ourselves but days like this show they are very wrong. Bahamians really enjoy who they are on this day."

So take your lunch hour and swing by to see your culture on display. And don't be scared to show off where you come from today either because there is no place in all the world like us and we should be proud — very proud of where we've come from and where we are today.

National Pride Day

When: Friday, July 4

Where: Rawson Square, various events to take place

Time: 7 a.m.- 7p.m.