Junkanoo Parade

Junkanoo are annual parades held on Boxing Day (December 26) and/or New Year's Day depending on the specific island. In Nassau, Junkanoo is held on both days plus Independence Day (July 10). The parades start at 2 a.m. in the morning and run until about 10 a.m. or noon.

The celebration dates back to the days of slavery when slave owners, including one named John Canoe (which was corrupted into Junkanoo), gave their slaves these holidays off.

The parades consist of costumes similar to those worn in Carnivals plus drumming on everything from goat skin drums to cowbells. The costumes are so elaborate that when one parade is over, participants start working on those for the following year. In Nassau about 20-25 groups compete which entails the work of 1,500 people. Costumes are made of a cardboard base which is then covered by white paper. Painting is not used, but rather all colors, textures and effects must be achieved by gluing glitter, paper, material or other decorations to the surface. Costumes can turn into mini-floats as wide as the street, masks, dragons or any shape that can be conceived of by the participating artisans.