JUNKANOO FESTIVAL

Carnival is one of the most authentic expressions of Bahamian culture. It is a very lively tradition on all the islands of the Caribbean region, from Cuba to Trinidad. The celebration of Carnival dates back to the Spanish conquest. Originally, the two periods of its celebration corresponded to the days before Lent and the summer solstice.

In the Bahamas, it is called "Junkanoo". The origin of this word is uncertain; it is said to derive from the name "John Canoe" of an African tribal chief who obtained permission to celebrate festivals with his tribe after their deportation to the islands. Others speculate that the French term "gens inconnus" (unknown people) is used to refer to masked dancers. The history of the Junkanoo is rooted in a tradition dating back to slavery in the 16th and 17th centuries, when Africans were given three days of freedom to celebrate Christmas. Equipped with masks, drums and bells, they marched noisily through the villages of the islands. After the abolition of slavery, the Junkanoo almost disappeared, only to be reborn today.

The streets come alive for a colourful parade (the "Junkanoo Rush Out"), with the joyful chords of goombay, traditional music to the rhythm of goatskin drums, horns, brass cowbells ringing loudly, and whistles crackling. Other less traditional instruments such as trumpets and trombones have appeared more recently. The festivities reach their climax in Nassau on Boxing Day (26 December) when the parade starts in the early hours of the day, from 2am to 8am. On Grand Bahama Island, the parade takes place on New Year's Day from 5pm.

Groups of up to a thousand people have each chosen a theme that is reflected in the costumes, music and choreography; the different groups prepare their parade for many months before the big day. The masks and costumes are a reminder of the traditions and customs of the past, a past with strong African roots. At the end of the parade, a committee of judges awards the prizes for the best groups, and the groups march again on January ^1st from the early hours of the morning until the end of the morning. Once the effervescence of the Junkanoo has subsided, the groups very quickly set about preparing for the carnival of the following year. Junkanoo parades also take place during all national holidays or important festivals throughout the year.