Come celebrate Junkanoo during your Bahamas vacation
The Grand Bahamas Island is rich in native culture and history. No matter where you stay on the island or any of the Bahamian islands, you’re sure to hear about a local celebration called Junkanoo (pronounced roughly as it looks). Originally, Junkanoo (Junkanoo Boxing Day), now a national festival, was celebrated the day after Christmas, the 2nd, and then again on New Year’s Day, but with the tourist industry in full bloom, Junkanoo is celebrated almost every weeks and sometimes every day.
The origin of the word Junkanoo has many suggestions; some say it is derived from a French word “l’inconnu” meaning unknown or masked. Others say that it may be a creole word. It is believed to be named after an African tribal leader, John Canoe, who claimed the right to celebrate with his people even after they were brought to the Bahamas as slaves from the West Indies. Whatever the origin, Junkanoo is a highly coveted Bahamian celebration and is taken very seriously.
Junkanoo is believed to have started during the 16th and 17th centuries. The slaves were given a holiday at Christmas where they could leave the plantations to be with their families and celebrate the holiday with their native African dance, music and costumes. Since their emancipation, they continue Junkanoo. From its simple origins, it has evolved into a more organized parade with elaborate music and costumes.
The Junkanoo Parade or Rush-out is characterized by colorful crepe paper costumes and highly ornate headdresses. As the years have passed, so have the costumes; many of the headdresses require manipulators on either side so that the wearer does not tip over under their weight. Many costume designs are closely guarded secrets until revealed.
The local Junkanoo in Freeport and Port Lucaya, Grand Bahamas Islands can be celebrated most nights in a simpler display of costumes and music at Count Basie Square in the Port Lucaya Market Place.
Don’t miss this fantastic celebration of dance and music on the island of the Grand Bahamas. A great family vacation in the Bahamas awaits you any time of year.