| The Grand Bahamas Island is rich with native culture | | | | at Christmas time where they could leave the |
| and history. No matter where you stay on the Island | | | | plantations to be with their families and celebrate the |
| or any of the Bahamas Islands, you are sure to hear | | | | Holiday in their native African dance, music and |
| about a local celebration called Junkanoo (pronounced | | | | costumes. Since their emancipation, they continue |
| pretty much how it looks). Originally Junkanoo | | | | Junkanoo. From its simple origins it has evolved into a |
| (Junkanoo Boxing Day), which is now a national | | | | more organized parade with elaborate music and |
| festival, was celebrated the day after Christmas, the | | | | costumes. |
| 2th and then again on New Year's Day but with the | | | | The Junkanoo Parade or Rush-out is characterized by |
| tourist industry in full bloom Junkanoo is celebrated | | | | colorful crepe-paper costumes and very ornate |
| almost every week and sometimes every day. | | | | headdress. As the years have progressed so have |
| The origin of the word Junkanoo has many | | | | the costumes; many of the headdress require |
| suggestions; some say it is derived from a French | | | | handlers on either side so the wearer will not tip over |
| word "l'inconnu" meaning the unknown or masked. | | | | from the sheer weight of it. Many costumes designs |
| Others say perhaps it is a Creole word. There is a | | | | are closely guarded secrets until their unveiling. |
| thought it was named after an African tribal leader, | | | | The local Junkanoo in Freeport and Port Lucaya, |
| John Canoe, who demanded the right to celebrate | | | | Grand Bahamas Islands can be celebrated most |
| with his people even after they were brought to the | | | | evenings in a more simple demonstration of |
| Bahamas as slaves from the West Indies. Whatever | | | | costumes and music at the Count Basie Square in the |
| the origin, Junkanoo is highly coveted Bahamian | | | | Port Lucaya Market Place. |
| celebration and is taken very seriously. | | | | Don't miss out on this fantastic celebration of dance |
| Junkanoo is believed to have started during the 16th | | | | and music on Grand Bahamas Island. A great family |
| and 17th centuries. The slaves were given a holiday | | | | Bahamas vacation awaits you anytime of year. |