JUNKANOO, THE GREAT FESTIVAL OF THE BAHAMAS

The music of the Bahamas is especially related to Junkanoo, a kind of street carnival that occurs in the early morning hours across many towns of the Bahamas on Boxing Day (December 26) and New Year’s Day (January 1) too. However, it is in downtown Nassau where the largest celebration takes place.

   The origin of the name given to this celebration has been disputed, although, the idea of this name has its origin in an African slave called John Canoe or that it comes from the French phrase gens inconnus (unknown or masked people) are the most popular ones. Junkanoo may be the closest link to African heritage since it has not changed over the years. It is believed that this festival started during 16^th and 17^th. Slaves were given a special holiday during Christmas time so they could leave the plantation and celebrate their freedom with their families.

Someone playing cowbells

   This celebration continued after emancipation, although it has been evolving through the years to what we currently know. Junkanoo is well-known for its parades full of colour, music and dance. These parades are characterized for their amazing customs made of crepe paper and the powerful rhythms made by instruments such as the traditional goatskin drums, the brass bands or the cowbells. However, the influence of European instruments has been introduced little by little in the music of junkanoo.

Goatskin drum

   This celebration is widely dominated by men. However, it was not until Maureen DuV-alier went with her dance troupe to Bay Street after the halt of The Street Nuisance Prohibition Act (1899-1954) when women were also included in this celebration.

   Finally, there are many Bahamian artists who have gained a great popularity in Japan, the United States and other places. Some of them are Calypso, Rake 'n' Scrape and bands such as Baha Men.

   Here you have a video where you can watch one of the Junkanoo groups known as Valley Boys doing a performance on Bay Street, in downtown Nassau. Enjoy!

Sources:
http://www.bahamashclondon.net/uploads/Fact_Sheet_on_Culture.pdf
http://www.nassauparadiseisland.com/music-of-the-bahamas/
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Culture_of_the_Bahamas
http://www.bahamas-history.net/bahamas-culture.html
http://www.bahamasentertainers.com/Paper/jnkno.html
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Junkanoo
http://www.bahamasturismo.es/las-bahamas/junkanoo/que-es