Experience the Essence of The Islands Of The Bahamas at Junkanoo

National Festival Brings the Spirit of The Bahamas to Life
 

NASSAU, The Bahamas – December 14, 2011 – Elaborate costumes, handcrafted out of crêpe paper in a rainbow of vibrant colors.  Distinctively Bahamian music, comprised of rhythmic goombay drums, copper bells and mouth whistles.  Prepare to see and hear it all at Junkanoo, the festive celebration which occurs on Boxing Day (December 26) and New Years Day in Nassau as well as on Grand Bahama, Eleuthera, Bimini and Abaco.  The festivities kick off in the early hours of the morning and go on for hours.

The exact origin of Junkanoo has long been debated, but many variations of the story trace the origin to the short leave allowed to 18^th century slaves at Christmas.  These three days of freedom were celebrated with dancing, costume dress and visits to friends.  This informal procession may be the roots of today’s Junkanoo Rush Out.  Junkanoo has grown into a national celebration and serious competition among various crews including “Valley Boys,” “One Family,” “Fancy Dancers” and “Saxons.”

Junkanoo crews, arranged in large groups of up to 1,000, are organized around a particular theme and their costumes, dance and music reflect this theme.  Each group member creates his her own costume and it may take up to a year to complete the intricate designs.  Although the rules require that only one person carry each costume, some can weigh upwards of 40 pounds.  The Junkanoo competition in Nassau, which populates Bay Street, is hotly contested and at the end of the procession, judges award cash prizes for the best music, best costume and best overall group presentation.  It attracts an audience from all walks of life, from well-known celebrities to tourists and local Bahamians. 

To purchase your ticket online, please visit http://www.caribtickets.com/.

The Islands Of The Bahamas have a place in the sun for everyone from Nassau and Paradise Island to Grand Bahama to The Abaco Islands, The Exuma Islands, Harbour Island, Long Island and others. Each island has its own personality and attractions for a variety of vacation styles with some of the world’s best scuba diving, fishing, sailing, boating, as well as, shopping and dining. The destination offers an easily accessible tropical getaway and provides convenience for travelers with preclearance through U.S. customs and immigration, and the Bahamian dollar at par with the U.S. dollar. Do everything or do nothing, just remember It’s Better in The Bahamas. For more information on travel packages, activities and accommodations, call 1-800-Bahamas or visit www.Bahamas.com. Look for The Bahamas on the web on Facebook, Twitter and YouTube. To purchase one-of-a-kind items from The Bahamas, visit www.eshopbahamas.com.

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Media Contacts:              

Chelsea Costa                                                           Anita Johnson-Patty  

Weber Shandwick                                                     Bahamas Ministry of Tourism        

(212) 445-8029                                                        (954) 236-9292                 

ccosta@webershandwick.com                                     ajohnson@bahamas.com