Around Christmas enslaved Africans were gives three days off – these days were spent with
family they celebrated with food, music from homemade instruments and dance. The idea of
Junkanoo was kept alive by dedicated islanders until this three days celebration of temporary
freedom and relief evolved overtime to be a celebration of culture, tradition, and showmanship. Competitive air has revolved around the Junkanoo Parade. The six major groups that design and create the costumes you see on the road compete with one another – aiming to be the group with the most extravagantly luxe costumes and floats. It’s fitting Junkanoo should take place on New Year’s Day – the floats are so spectacular they’re like the fireworks that light up new year’s night sky. Spontaneous, loud, bright it’s unimaginable how they were created. Come to Bahamas for the beaches and people, take the opportunity to learn about Bahamian culture at Junkanoo but you must feast your eyes on these giant cardboard, paper mache, spangled creations.