JUNKANOO
A Beautiful Display of Creativity
Junkanoo is a treasured Bahamian tradition. Scaling back from the colonial era and having its roots across the West Indies and West Africa. Colourful costumes, rhythmic music, and dance.
In the Bahamas, Junkanoo takes place on Boxing Day, New Year's Day, and during the summer heat. It is the pulse of the islands.
Groups
These groups and many others are what make up Junkanoo.
The History
A story of resilience, rhythm, and the unyielding spirit.
West African Roots
Origins trace back to enslaved West Africans who were granted three days off during Christmas. They celebrated by masking and dancing with whatever materials were available, retaining cultural memory in a new land.
Post-Emancipation
After slavery was abolished Junkanoo persisted as a powerful symbol of freedom and resistance. Costumes evolved from simple sea-sponges, fabric, and leaves to more structured paper designs.
Junkanoo Today
Junkanoo transformed into a highly organized and competitive show of music and dance. The introduction of cardboard, and crepe paper allowed for the massive intricate 3D costumes and brass sections seen on Bay Street and Shirley Street.
Gallery
