While the rest of the Northern Hemisphere paints an idyllic picture of a “White Christmas” The Bahamas bursts into a myriad of color and life with its annual Junkanoo Carnival. This cultural celebration has long been a vibrant festive tradition in the Bahamas that showcases the region's historic resilience along with its rich and dynamic heritage. As if the cold wasn’t a good enough reason to visit Harbour Island during the holidays, Junkanoo, observed on Boxing Day (December 26th) and New Years Day (January 1st), keeps the cultural heritage of the Bahamas alive!
The Junkanoo tradition is a vibrant cultural celebration that traces its history back to the first African Bahamians who arrived in the Bahamas during the 17th and 18th centuries. Though there is debate on this, many believe the festival may have come from John Canoe, who was a West African tribal leader celebrated by African Bahamians slaves during the holiday season. For the past 200 years, this joyous celebration has been a powerful and joyous expression of cultural identity and resistance.
Under British colonial rule during this time, slaves were given a few days off around Christmas time. This time off was precious to them and it gave them the opportunity to gather and celebrate their cultural heritage with music, dance, and colorful vibrant costumes.
What once began as a way for enslaved people to maintain a way to stay connected to their African roots has truly evolved into a stunning way to display Bahamian national pride, creativity and cultural expression. Today, Junkanoo draws thousands of participants and spectators from all over the world, becoming a critical part of Bahamian national pride and cultural expression.
Junkanoo is a joyous traditional style of dance and attire that’s celebrated every year on two days during the holiday season, Boxing Day (December 26th) and New Years Day (January 1st) The carnival consists of a street procession of colorful characters in traditional attire along with live music that everyone enjoys!
Over the years, Junkanoo costumes have evolved from simple to extravagant. To celebrate during the early days, many of the participants used whatever materials were available - sponge, straw, flowers, leaves, feathers and/or any indigenous materials they could find - this resourcefulness was a true testament to their creativity and resilience which could be seen in their outfits and costumes. Interestingly enough, while the original costumes were made from various natural materials, today’s modern Junkanoo costumes are generally made using cardboard as the primary base then other materials such as feathers, fabric, paper and other ornamental materials are added into the design. Making the costume can be tedious and time consuming, but the results are amazing. Some traditional and modern costumes you may see:
These costumes are ones that follow the original Junkanoo make-up of old using the traditional method using straws, flowers, leaves, feathers and/or with a possible modern twist.
This costume originates from the 1920’s when the sponging industry was an economic contributor for the Bahamas. These costumes are generally made with sponges, but will likely have other materials as primary parts of the costume.
Group costumes are colorful and creative and are generally made with cardboard, wire and plastic rods along with some traditional and non-traditional materials. They are also painted, outlined and adorned with colorful beads and jewels that are pasted on to help accentuate their beauty and creativity. Many of the people who participate in the celebration of Junkanoo as a group spend countless hours making these costumes, usually from August through December.
Modern day Junkanoo costumes are very elaborate, colorful and made with a variety of traditional and modern materials. These materials can consist of cardboard, wire, plastic, styrofoam, paper mache, colorful beads and jewels; all of which are used to help accentuate the costume’s beauty and creativity. This is all done while keeping the historic narrative intact.
Regardless of the type or style of the costume, they are all culturally themed with beautiful patterns and are made through hard work, preparation, skilled craftsmanship and with the utmost care.
We can’t forget to mention the music that is sure to keep you dancing all night long. You’ll hear Bahamian style music that is a rich mixture of West African rhythms and American blues mixed in with Caribbean culture. This dance style of music uses a mixture of traditional and non-traditional instruments. Instruments such as:
Originally made with goatskin, these drums (known as the Goombay drums) are large upright drums that are played with bare hands. However, many of the drums that are used today in the celebration are generally store bought as skin stretched drums are not always readily available.
This unique instrument carries a very distinctive Caribbean tune. The sound is made by taking a handsaw and bending it and then scraping it with a smaller object such as a nail or small knife. When scraping it makes a variety of lively sounds.
These shells can be found in the Caribbean and surrounding regions, and are not only beautiful, but can make great instruments as well. Conch shells, also known as "seashell horns" or "shell trumpets,” are similar to wind instruments as their natural conical shape can be used to produce a musical melodic tone.
Cowbells are a key component in this joyous celebration. Though they are noisy with their clappers steadily “clanking” away, they provide a rhythmic sound that helps drive the beat of the musical spirit and can be heard loudly and proudly during the celebration.
Whistles are a common instrument in this celebration, however some of them are not your common whistles you would normally hear in a celebration, they are actually empty bottles! Empty bottles are used as whistles, and are used to create a steady beat along with the drums and cowbells. For those who are looking to jump into the celebration and jam with the musicians can use a “whistle.” All you have to do is simply blow across the top of the bottle and go with the flow.
Brass Instruments
Brass instruments are also a staple when celebrating Juckanoo. You can find a variety of them being used and played in the celebration. Some of the instruments you will see and hear are trombones, trumpets, cornets, and sousaphones just to name a few.
There are many traditional and non-traditional instruments used in this amazing celebration, however some that you many not not that are used are bicycle horns and foghorns
In true carnival style, all the participants are dancing to choreography and bring a level of energy to the island that HAS to betruly experiencedfirst hand.The vibrant rhythms and colorful costumes create a mesmerizing spectacle that captures the true spirit of Harbour Island's Bahamian cultural heritage. Visitors are completely swept up in a whirlwind of joy, where the boundary between performer and audience dissolves into pure fun and excitement.
We recommend you bring your dancing shoes! We know that this festive occasion will make you feel like one of the locals as it captures the true essence of Bahamian culture and offers something for everyone. This event is kid-tested and mom-approved, so you can make it a family affair and make memories with locals that will keep you coming back to Harbour Island year after year.
The parade route for Junkanoo is all along Bay Street in Dunmore Town. The parade typically starts around 9:00 p.m. or 9:30 p.m. Many hotels on the island also host their own Junkanoo celebration, our concierge team will have all the latest updates on these events when you arrive on the island!
Harbour Island is more than just a beautiful beach destination nestled in the Bahamas, it is rich in Bahamian culture, history, and vibrant traditions. Take a break from the traditional Christmas holiday getaways and come celebrate and experience Junkanoo with us this holiday season and indulge in all the rich island culture and history. On top of all the celebrating, relax and enjoy the famous pink sand beaches, stunning landscapes, and taste flavorful local cuisine and much more our island has to offer.
Contact us today and letConch & Coconut plan the perfect Harbour Island getaway for you today. Our concierge services can provide you the best accommodations, dining spots and activities to ensure you experience all that Harbour Island has to offer and is known for without any stress or worry. Your perfect island getaway is just waiting for you!
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