JUNKANOO

Paraphrased from Steve Pavlidis’ Cruising Guide.

Junkanoo demonstrates the spirit, music, dancing, singing, costumes and color that is the culture of the Bahamas.  It traditionally begins at the stroke of midnight and the beginning of the New Year.  However, this year it began at 1 pm to give folks an opportunity to attend midnight church before arriving at the festivities.  This, and the religious overtones of many of the floats and costumes, are examples of the strong Christian base of the Bahamas.

Junkanoo was introduced by slaves in America from Africa’s western coast and became popular among the slaves in the Bahamas and Jamaica.  There are several speculations as to the origin of the name – it might derive from the West African name Jananin Cannoo, derived from a combination of Canno, a supreme being, and Janani, the dead who became spirits and were seen as patrons or defenders of the tribe. 

Junkanoo developed as a celebration when slaves were allowed a special Christmas holiday, and not wanting to waste a minute of this rare occasion they began their celebration well before dawn.  The wild costumes, masks and makeup were used by slaves to disguise themselves when exacting revenge upon their masters or other slaves.  For a while in the Bahamas it grew to have political overtones, and from time to time was banned.  It was suspended during World War I due to wartime conditions, and at other years when labor unrest was rampant.

Today it is a national social festival, the heart of which is the music which has changed little over the years.  The core of the band is the drums – which you can hear from long distances – lead drums, second or bass drums (goombay), cowbells, clappers, bugles, trumpets, horns, conch shells and whistles.  Drums are made from goat or sheep skin and sometimes the drummers place a flame inside to improve the tone.  The music, the throbbing drum beat, the constant whistles, and the emotion of the participants and spectators is overwhelming. 

The costumes are made by hand and saved from year to year, with embellishments added as time goes on.  Color is rampant and there is usually a theme.   A single costume can way over 200 pounds, and may involve more than one wearer. 

Junkanoo in the Bahamas is not to be missed.