Though the exact origin of the festival is unknown, there are plenty of theories. Many believe it was established by John Canoe, a legendary West African Prince, who outwitted the English and became a local hero. The most popular belief, however, is that it evolved from the days of slavery. Loyalists who migrated to The Bahamas in the late 18th Century brought their African slaves with them. The slaves were given three days off during the Christmas season, which they used to celebrate by singing and dancing in colourful masks, travelling from house to house, often on stilts. The uncertainty of its origin only proves that Bahamians don’t need a reason to throw a wonderful celebration.
The celebrations of the Junkanoo Festival have been evolving in The Bahamas since the early 1900’s, but today, it serves less as a street festival and more as a grand parade celebrating the Bahamian culture. Organised groups of up to 1000 people spend almost the whole year preparing costumes and entertainment for the event, and to them, that’s half the fun.
Junkanoo celebration brings together people from all walks of life. Anyone is welcome to participate, so long as they abide by the rules of the National Junkanoo Association. Visitors can make arrangements through their hotel to join the festival.
