The Grand Bahamas Island is wealthy with native tradition and historical past. Irrespective of the place you keep on the Island or any of the Bahamas Islands, you’re positive to listen to a couple of native celebration referred to as Junkanoo (pronounced just about the way it appears to be like). Initially Junkanoo (Junkanoo Boxing Day), which is now a nationwide competition, was celebrated the day after Christmas, the 2th after which once more on New 12 months’s Day however with the vacationer trade in full bloom Junkanoo is well known nearly each week and typically every single day.
The origin of the phrase Junkanoo has many solutions; some say it’s derived from a French phrase “l’inconnu” which means the unknown or masked. Others say maybe it’s a Creole phrase. There’s a thought it was named after an African tribal chief, John Canoe, who demanded the appropriate to have fun together with his individuals even after they have been delivered to the Bahamas as slaves from the West Indies. Regardless of the origin, Junkanoo is extremely coveted Bahamian celebration and is taken very severely.
Junkanoo is believed to have began through the sixteenth and seventeenth centuries. The slaves got a vacation at Christmas time the place they may go away the plantations to be with their households and have fun the Vacation of their native African dance, music and costumes. Since their emancipation, they proceed Junkanoo. From its easy origins it has advanced right into a extra organized parade with elaborate music and costumes.
The Junkanoo Parade or Rush-out is characterised by colourful crepe-paper costumes and really ornate headdress. Because the years have progressed so have the costumes; lots of the headdress require handlers on both aspect so the wearer won’t tip over from the sheer weight of it. Many costumes designs are intently guarded secrets and techniques till their unveiling.
The native Junkanoo in Freeport and Port Lucaya, Grand Bahamas Islands may be celebrated most evenings in a extra easy demonstration of costumes and music on the Depend Basie Sq. within the Port Lucaya Market Place.
Do not miss out on this unbelievable celebration of dance and music on Grand Bahamas Island. A fantastic household Bahamas trip awaits you anytime of yr.
