A Bahamian Celebration

A Bahamian CelebrationJUNKANOO

Origin of Junkanoomight have come from “John Canoe”

African Slave Trader in the 17th CenturyOR the Yoruba word gensinconnu meaning “a

person wearing a mask”Slaves not allowed much freedom

Hide in bushes while dancing and singingUsed costumes made from leaves and paint

Festival represents freedom from slavery

Where? originated in Nassau(Also the largest)

Bay Street

When?Boxing Day (December 26)

New Years Day

Recently during summer in Grand Bahamas

Midnight until right after dawn

What?A parade and showcase for music and

costumes to be judge for prizesMore elaborate the better!Cardboard, crepe paper, beads, satin, plastic

jewels are popular materials usedThere’s a themeCompeting groups which can have up to 500

members! (ed: Saxons, Pigs, Valley Boys)

The CompetitionBest costume, Best music, best

floatsJudged in categories

A (or Major) Category ( Saxons, Valley Boys)

B Category (One Love Soldiers)Individual Category Fun Groups (The Pigs, Sting and Barrabas)

Fun FactsFeatured in the James Bond film

Thunderball, Jaws the Revenge and After the Sunset.

Winning Junkanoo costumes are placed in the Junkanoo Museum

Members choose a theme and keep it a secret until the day of Junkanoo

Use same methods for music with drums as the slaves did when the festival originated