Oooh, Oooh, Junkanoo!!!

Junkanoo is a national cultural event  in The Bahamas taking place on Christmas Day, Boxing Day, and New Years Day.

There is much controversy about the origin of Junkanoo.   The most accepted one is that the word “Junkanoo” comes from the name John Canoe, who was an African prince and slave trader operating on the Gold Coast in the seventeenth (17th) century. He was said to have outwitted the English and subsequently gained control of Fort Brandenbury. Therefore, the Dutch and English alike feared him. However, to the slaves, he was a hero and was worshipped and idolized by them. Those slaves who were brought here to the Bahamas kept up this distinct form of worship.

The slaves were given a special holiday at Christmas time, when they could leave the plantations to be with their family and celebrate the holidays with African dance, music and costumes. After emancipation, they continued this tradition and, today, Junkanoo has evolved from its simple origins to a formal, more organized parade with sophisticated, intricate costumes, themed music and incentive prizes. 

Costumes are made from aluminum rods, chicken wire, cardboard, paint, crepe paper and feathers.  The parade consists of dancers many of whom are carrying drums, horns and brass instruments,  cowbells, scapers, and whistles.

Christmas celebrations in The Bahamas would not be complete without Junkanoo bands "rushing" in the streets.

Tarpum Bay Junkanoo costumes