The Joy of Junkanoo
Junkanoo's standing as one of the Caribbean's most celebrated and spirited carnivals is undisputed.
From colourful costumes to exuberant dance routines, participants spend months preparing for the pageantry of this street parade accompanied by the steady beat of whistles, cowbells, horns, and goatskin drums that starts in the wee hours after midnight. Catch this celebration of Bahamian culture and history on Boxing Day—aka the day after Christmas—as well as on New Year's Day and many Saturdays throughout the summer. The largest Junkanoo celebration takes place on Bay Street, in downtown Nassau, but Bahamians across the 16 islands celebrate this joyful tradition.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where does Junkanoo take place?
Junkanoo is a bi-annual celebration of sights and sounds that takes place on Bay Street in Nassau and on many of the Out Islands.
How did the celebration originate?
Though the exact origin of the festival is unknown, there are plenty of theories. Many believe it was established by John Canoe, a legendary West African Prince, who outwitted the English and became a local hero. The most popular belief, however, is that it evolved from the days of slavery. Loyalists who migrated to The Bahamas in the late 18th Century brought their African slaves with them. The slaves were given three days off during the Christmas season, which they used to celebrate by singing and dancing in colourful masks, travelling from house to house, often on stilts. The uncertainty of its origin only proves that Bahamians don’t need a reason to throw a wonderful celebration.
What is Junkanoo?
The celebrations of the Junkanoo Festival have been evolving in The Bahamas since the early 1900’s, but today, it serves less as a street festival and more as a grand parade celebrating the Bahamian culture. Organised groups of up to 1000 people spend almost the whole year preparing costumes and entertainment for the event, and to them, that’s half the fun.
When is Junkanoo celebrated?
The Junkanoo highlight of the year occurs on Boxing Day (the day after Christmas) and New Year’s Morning. The festival is also celebrated on Independence Day, Junkanoo Summer Fest, and other small holidays throughout the year.
Can visitors participate in the Junkanoo parade?
Junkanoo celebration brings together people from all walks of life. Anyone is welcome to participate, so long as they abide by the rules of the National Junkanoo Association. Visitors can make arrangements through their hotel to join the festival.
