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Junkanoo Slave Freedom Festival of the Bahamas
Published by Melaina Gasbarrino, Writer
Country: Bahamas 
The Experience
Step into the Bahaman streets in the wee hours of the morning on December 26th, and become encircled in the liveliness of the Bahama's Junkanoo Festival.
Thousands upon thousands will be dancing through the streets of Nassau, Bahamas in the most vibrant costumes, which can be spotted from miles away. You will whirl through droves of people in a circle of colour filled with the sweet sounds of music. These rhythmic sounds protrude out of whistles, brass instruments, goatskin drums and cowbells. The Junkanoo Festival in the Bahamas is just like that of Mardi Gras in New Orleans, or Carnival in Rio de Janeiro. Needless to say, there will be plenty of high energy spirits filling the streets on Junkanoo Day.
Junkanoo is celebrated through out the Bahamas, but most notably in Nassau. Other places of celebration are Abaco, Bimini, Eleuthera, or Grand Bahamas: from 2:00 am till 8:00 am. If you miss out on the December 26 festivities, make sure you make it to the Bahamas by January 1st—Junkanoo festival is also held as the sun rises on the 1st of January.
The Junkanoo Festival is a celebration of freedom from slavery named after 17th-Century African slave trader John Canoe. On this day, Bahamian slaves were able to leave plantations and celebrate the Christmas season with family and friends. This was a chance to let loose with song and dance in these troubled and miserable times. During the early years of the festival, Junkanoo parade participants donned bizarre masks and trotted along on stilts. This celebration of freedom almost stopped when slavery was abolished, but the tradition is still in full force in The Bahamas.
The participants of the Junkanoo Festival thoroughly plan out the parade into groups of about 500 to 1,000 members, who invest months and months in preparation for the big day, aiming to grab first prize. Competition is so fierce that groups have a “shack” (base camp) where they practice day in and day out on their routines; so be prepared for some well choreographed dancing through the streets of the Bahamas during Junkanoo. At the end of Junkanoo, judges award prizes to those with the best costumes, music, and overall presentation. This is a huge event, so arrive early and get prime seating up on Bay Street in Nassau.
While in The Bahamas, be sure to check out the Junkanoo Expo that displays local crafts, creative paintings, and a souvenir boutique of past Junkanoo festivals.
Thousands upon thousands will be dancing through the streets of Nassau, Bahamas in the most vibrant costumes, which can be spotted from miles away. You will whirl through droves of people in a circle of colour filled with the sweet sounds of music. These rhythmic sounds protrude out of whistles, brass instruments, goatskin drums and cowbells. The Junkanoo Festival in the Bahamas is just like that of Mardi Gras in New Orleans, or Carnival in Rio de Janeiro. Needless to say, there will be plenty of high energy spirits filling the streets on Junkanoo Day.
Junkanoo is celebrated through out the Bahamas, but most notably in Nassau. Other places of celebration are Abaco, Bimini, Eleuthera, or Grand Bahamas: from 2:00 am till 8:00 am. If you miss out on the December 26 festivities, make sure you make it to the Bahamas by January 1st—Junkanoo festival is also held as the sun rises on the 1st of January.
The Junkanoo Festival is a celebration of freedom from slavery named after 17th-Century African slave trader John Canoe. On this day, Bahamian slaves were able to leave plantations and celebrate the Christmas season with family and friends. This was a chance to let loose with song and dance in these troubled and miserable times. During the early years of the festival, Junkanoo parade participants donned bizarre masks and trotted along on stilts. This celebration of freedom almost stopped when slavery was abolished, but the tradition is still in full force in The Bahamas.
The participants of the Junkanoo Festival thoroughly plan out the parade into groups of about 500 to 1,000 members, who invest months and months in preparation for the big day, aiming to grab first prize. Competition is so fierce that groups have a “shack” (base camp) where they practice day in and day out on their routines; so be prepared for some well choreographed dancing through the streets of the Bahamas during Junkanoo. At the end of Junkanoo, judges award prizes to those with the best costumes, music, and overall presentation. This is a huge event, so arrive early and get prime seating up on Bay Street in Nassau.
While in The Bahamas, be sure to check out the Junkanoo Expo that displays local crafts, creative paintings, and a souvenir boutique of past Junkanoo festivals.
When to Go to Junkanoo
During the months of December and January everyone flocks to the sunny beaches of The Bahamas, so ensure you book a few months in advance as prices are at an all time high during the winter months.
Temperatures range from 75°F and 85°F (24°C to 29°C) so pack nice and light for this vacation. Note that it is a little chilly in the early hours of the morning and you may want to pack a light sweater.
Odds n' Ends
The Junkanoo Expo is open daily from 10:00 am to 4:00 pm at the Nassau Waterfront. Admission is $2.00 for adults and just 50 Cents for children.
The best location to take in the Junkanoo festivities is in the city centre along Bay Street.
The best location to take in the Junkanoo festivities is in the city centre along Bay Street.
Places to Eat
- A Stone's Throw Away
- A Stone's Throw Away offers a unique dining experience as the chefs have taken from authentic Bahamian dining all the while providing a quaint, intimate backdrop for the restaurant itself. The restaurant itself serves breakfast and lunch and it is required to book a reservation to this delightful restaurant literally a stones throw away from the beautiful beaches of The Bahamas.
- The Fish Fry
- At this quaint restaurant enjoy delectable Bahamian seafood specialties such as conch fritters, crack conch, lobster, fried fish or conch salad. The restaurant is that of a casual scene where the locals will welcome you with open hearts as you step into The Fish Fry. Just be sure to come here on an empty stomach, as you will surely leave extremely and utterly satisfied with your fish fry.
- Graycliff Restaurant
- Graycliff is truly a place of perfection when it comes in time to think of where you and your fellow travelers should enjoy an elegant meal. The creative culinary experience you will get here is because of the chefs unique Bahamian dishes that have been transformed into a refinement for the better. This restaurant has gained international knowledge because of its uniqueness. You will thoroughly enjoy your evening as you can dine in four different rooms or on the terrace and be encompassed with your senses, enjoy your meal.
- Atlantis Restaurants
- It truly is a must to visit Atlantis while in The Bahamas, and what better way to visit this wonderful resort than to dine at one of their 21 restaurants. Get caught up in the deliciousness of each meal, just ensure you have an idea of what you are in the mood for for your dinner or lunch as you will probably change your mind everytime you walk by one of the perfect restaurants. Take your pick from renowned Chef, Bobby Flay's restaurant, Mesa Grill, enjoy a buffet with the family, or if you feel like a light meal take it on over to the pool, where you can grab a quick bite poolside than head back in! Restaurants range from Italian to Bahamian...so take your pick, relax, sit back and enjoy your dining experience at The Atlantis Resort.
Recommended Places to Stay
- The Atlantis Resort
- Step onto a island of awe striking sights and perfect sunny days when you decide to stay at Atlantis. You will never run out of things to do at this most majestical resort. This resort has anything and everything you can imagine, plus more! So be sure that when you book your vacation to see the Junkanoo festival you leave a few extra days to enjoy your stay at the beautiful Atlantis.
- Wyndham Nassau Resort
- Not only does this resort span the likes of the beautiful Bahamian beaches but it also caters to those who love and live for Vegas. This resort has a 30,000 Vegas-style Casino within its walls. So as you play your hand at a game, be sure to save some extra time to enjoy the extravagance of the beach..its awaiting you! The Wyndham Nassau Resort has eight restaurants and lounges and provides its guests with a perfect place to rest their head after a long day in the sun.
- Sheraton Nassau Beach Resort
- Situated right along the 1,000 foot stretch of Nassau's widely acclaimed white-sand beach at The Sheraton Nassau Beach Resort you may never want to leave! With its 694 suites and guest rooms indulge in all the finer things that Nassau has to offer through the multitude of amenities and activities the resort has to offer. Anything and everything you can imagine, its right here at The Sheraton Nassau Beach Resort from snorkeling, sailing to oversized whirlpools and freshwater pools with cascading waterfalls, you will truly feel relaxed the moment you step on its property. Sit back, relax and enjoy your stay at the Sheraton Nassau Beach Resort, the staff is ever so delighted you have chosen their resort and will treat you to perfect Bahamian hospitality.
Additional Places to Stay Nearby
Search over 900,000 global hotel deals from over 30 merchants. Book via Expedia, Travelocity, Hotels.com, Booking.com, Priceline and the websites of popular hotel chains.
Located in Cable Beach, the Villas on Coral Island Hotel is a perfect base while in Nassau. The hotel offers its guests a comfortable base ... 1 miles away
Located in Cable Beach and within a 20 minute walk from the town centre, the Orange Hill Beach Inn offers comfortable rooms and features a ... 1 miles away
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While You're There - Tours and Trips Nearby
Your dive program begins with a short presentation that teaches you about the basics of diving. Next, it is into a swimming pool or onto ...0.57 miles away via Nassau.
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Elsewhere on the Web
- Junkanoo.com
- Ancestral cultural tradition similar to a carnival with parade. Features history , photos, videos, music, events calendar along with ticket purchase details.
- Junkanoo - Gepgraphia.com
- Junkanoo Panorama - Housser.cca
Media References
- Junkanoo Expo - NYTimes.com (newspaper)
- This museum is dedicated to Junkanoo -- the colorful, musical, and surreal festival that takes place on December 26 when Nassau explodes into sounds, festivities, celebrations, and a sea of masks.
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