Junkanoo

“Junkanoo Masquerade”

A true celebration of Bahamian culture and history that takes place every year on Boxing Day and New Year’s Day. It takes the form of a masquerade street festival where people gather to dance, play music, share their spirituality, and above all else, celebrate their freedom.

The most widely accepted story of Junkanoo beginnings is that it was named after the West African John Canoe, a rebellious slave. It originated in the Bahamas in the 17th century as a masquerade. Slaves, with their faces hidden under flour paste, would wait for their owners to go to bed, then in secret would express jubilation from their lives of captivity.

Today, Junkanoo is a festival of costume, music, and dance, but at its roots is a celebration of freedom.

Artwork created by Peter D. Gerakaris.