Prince Blyden: Junkanoo
Kyle Carroll: Fishing in The Bahamas
Alyssa Pinder: Bahamian Dishes
Christine Albury: Historical Sites in Nassua
Wednesday, February 27, 2008
Junkanoo
Junkanoo is a Bahamian cultural festival which happens in many of the family islands on Boxing Day (December 26)and New Years day and is also held on any festive and special occasions such as Independence Day (July10).The music of jukanoo is the pulsating sound of the goat skin drum, cowbells, whistles, horns and brass instruments. Costumes are made from a combination of card board,wire mesh, cloth, styro foam that are shaped and formed into intricate patterns that are covered with crepe paper. In Nassau groups compete for prizes on Boxing and New Years Day.
The origin of the word Junkanoo is obscure. Some say it comes from the French "L'inconnu" (meaning the unknown), in reference to the masks worn by the paraders; or "junk enoo," the Scottish settlers' reference to the parades, meaning "junk enough;" or "John Canoe," the name of an African tribal chief who demanded the right to celebrate with his people even after being brought to the West Indies in slavery.
It is believed that this festival began during the 16th and 17th centuries. The slaves were given a special holiday at Christmas time (Boxing Day), when they could leave the plantations to be with their family and celebrate the holidays with African dance, music and costumes. After emancipation, they continued this tradition and, today, Junkanoo has evolved from its simple origins to a formal, more organized parade with sophisticated, intricate costumes, themed music and incentive prizes.
The origin of the word Junkanoo is obscure. Some say it comes from the French "L'inconnu" (meaning the unknown), in reference to the masks worn by the paraders; or "junk enoo," the Scottish settlers' reference to the parades, meaning "junk enough;" or "John Canoe," the name of an African tribal chief who demanded the right to celebrate with his people even after being brought to the West Indies in slavery.
It is believed that this festival began during the 16th and 17th centuries. The slaves were given a special holiday at Christmas time (Boxing Day), when they could leave the plantations to be with their family and celebrate the holidays with African dance, music and costumes. After emancipation, they continued this tradition and, today, Junkanoo has evolved from its simple origins to a formal, more organized parade with sophisticated, intricate costumes, themed music and incentive prizes.
Junkanoo Costumes
Costumes
As Junkanoo traditions have evolved, so, has the costumes. Sea sponges, leaves, fabric and shredded paper have at one time or another played their part in costume creation. Costumes today are made out of crepe paper that is precisely glued to fabric, cardboard or wood. They usually consist of a headdress, shoulder pieces and skirts, which are elaborate and brilliantly coloured. Group members make their own costumes and it may take them up to a year to complete the intricate creations.
Costume design is tied to a theme and is a carefully guarded secret. Themes vary greatly they can be contemporary, based on the past or anything the group chooses.
Junkanoo costumes that may have once been discarded as garbage after the parade, are now being kept for posterity. The winning creations are placed in the Junkanoo Museum, formerly located in downtown Nassau at the Prince George Wharf. The museum is temporarily closed, because it is being relocated.
As Junkanoo traditions have evolved, so, has the costumes. Sea sponges, leaves, fabric and shredded paper have at one time or another played their part in costume creation. Costumes today are made out of crepe paper that is precisely glued to fabric, cardboard or wood. They usually consist of a headdress, shoulder pieces and skirts, which are elaborate and brilliantly coloured. Group members make their own costumes and it may take them up to a year to complete the intricate creations.
Costume design is tied to a theme and is a carefully guarded secret. Themes vary greatly they can be contemporary, based on the past or anything the group chooses.
Junkanoo costumes that may have once been discarded as garbage after the parade, are now being kept for posterity. The winning creations are placed in the Junkanoo Museum, formerly located in downtown Nassau at the Prince George Wharf. The museum is temporarily closed, because it is being relocated.
Aspects Junkanoo Music
Distinctively Bahamian, the music you hear at Junkanoo today is very much as it has always been. Rhythmic goombay drums, copper bells and mouth whistles soon sweep you up in the Junkanoo beat. Music is the most important part of Junkanoo. The rhythmic sounds of goatskin drums and cowbells -- accompanied by a separate brass section -- create a beat that’s too strong to resist!
Slaves, who originally made their musical instruments from cast-off items, fashioned rum or food containers into drums and scrap metal into bells. Today’s musicians use similar methods. Like their ancestors, they stretch goatskin across the drum opening and "tune" it by burning a candle under the skin to tighten it to the right pitch.
There are three main types of Junkanoo instruments.
Drums
The drums that are used are got skin drums. The barrels are usually wooden with an open bottom. In the earlier days the drums were on of the only instruments in junkanoo apart from the cowbells. The drums set up the basic rhythm of jukanoo and there are there is tum tum that is done by the drums alone.
Cowbells
The bells have been made from tin or cast iron. They range from sizes 6 to 14 inches. Cowbells keep the timing of the music being played. They are also a part of the original music of Junkanoo.
Brass Instruments.
In 1976 a new era of junkanoo had begun the brass era. This is the back line and sometimes the biggest and loudest section. It is the section that really brings the music out into songs the people know. It is one of the most favored section.
Slaves, who originally made their musical instruments from cast-off items, fashioned rum or food containers into drums and scrap metal into bells. Today’s musicians use similar methods. Like their ancestors, they stretch goatskin across the drum opening and "tune" it by burning a candle under the skin to tighten it to the right pitch.
There are three main types of Junkanoo instruments.
Drums
The drums that are used are got skin drums. The barrels are usually wooden with an open bottom. In the earlier days the drums were on of the only instruments in junkanoo apart from the cowbells. The drums set up the basic rhythm of jukanoo and there are there is tum tum that is done by the drums alone.Cowbells
The bells have been made from tin or cast iron. They range from sizes 6 to 14 inches. Cowbells keep the timing of the music being played. They are also a part of the original music of Junkanoo.Brass Instruments.
In 1976 a new era of junkanoo had begun the brass era. This is the back line and sometimes the biggest and loudest section. It is the section that really brings the music out into songs the people know. It is one of the most favored section.
Monday, February 25, 2008
Bahamas Fishing Regulations
Permits are obtained from Customs officials at ports of entry. Fishing gear is restricted to hook and line and you may not fish with more than six rods at a time. No vessel shall have on board any fish unless its head and tail is intact. Bag limits are as follows:
Lobster or Crawfish: Six tails per vessel, at any time. Annual closed season is April 1 to July 31. Minimum size limits are 3-3/8 inch carapace length or six inches tail length. Egg-bearing female crawfish are protected.
Conch: The Queen Conch (conch) is considered an endangered species throughout much of the wider Caribbean, including The Bahamas. In an effort to ensure the continued sustainability of local conch stocks, the harvesting of the species by foreign boaters is prohibited.
Wahoo/Dolphin/Kingfish: Six fish per vessel, any combination.
Vessel Bag Limit: 20 pounds of scalefish, 10 conch and six crawfish per vessel may be exported from The Islands Of The Bahamas.
Stone Crabs: Closed season is June 1 to October 15. Minimum harvestable claw is four inches. Harvesting of females is prohibited.
Turtle: Illegal to catch or have on board; although legal to eat in The Islands Of The Bahamas.
Spearfishing: Hawaiian sling is the only approved spearfishing device. Use of scuba gear or an air compressor to harvest fish, conch, crawfish and other marine animals is prohibited. Spearfishing is not allowed within one mile off the coast of New Providence, within one mile off the south coast of Freeport, Grand Bahama and within 200 yards of the coast of all Out Islands. Spearing or taking marine animals by any means is prohibited within national sea parks.
Lobster or Crawfish: Six tails per vessel, at any time. Annual closed season is April 1 to July 31. Minimum size limits are 3-3/8 inch carapace length or six inches tail length. Egg-bearing female crawfish are protected.
Conch: The Queen Conch (conch) is considered an endangered species throughout much of the wider Caribbean, including The Bahamas. In an effort to ensure the continued sustainability of local conch stocks, the harvesting of the species by foreign boaters is prohibited.
Wahoo/Dolphin/Kingfish: Six fish per vessel, any combination.
Vessel Bag Limit: 20 pounds of scalefish, 10 conch and six crawfish per vessel may be exported from The Islands Of The Bahamas.
Stone Crabs: Closed season is June 1 to October 15. Minimum harvestable claw is four inches. Harvesting of females is prohibited.
Turtle: Illegal to catch or have on board; although legal to eat in The Islands Of The Bahamas.
Spearfishing: Hawaiian sling is the only approved spearfishing device. Use of scuba gear or an air compressor to harvest fish, conch, crawfish and other marine animals is prohibited. Spearfishing is not allowed within one mile off the coast of New Providence, within one mile off the south coast of Freeport, Grand Bahama and within 200 yards of the coast of all Out Islands. Spearing or taking marine animals by any means is prohibited within national sea parks.
Deep-sea fishing
Deep-sea fishing takes place off the cays where the drop-off from the reef to the Atlantic is steep. This type of fishing involves trolling the deep waters with large fishing tackle that’s baited for marlin or sailfish, tuna, mahimahi or mackerel. Fishermen can also hook billfish, bottomfish or a reef fish.The best time for blue marlin, blue tuna and mahimahi is from April to July and for king mackerel, from January to April. It’s wahoo time between November and April, and white marlin are best caught from April to June.
Bonefishing
Andros is the bonefishing capital in the world. Bonefishing has become a local favorite within The Islands Of The Bahamas. Bonefishing takes place in the flats where guides slowly pole small flat-bottomed boats for anglers, or the truly dedicated quietly stalk these elusive fish by wading through knee-deep water. These quicksilver fighters, weighing up to 15 pounds, inspire both fly fishermen and spin casters alike with their power and speed.Unpredictable and sneaky, the bonefish are often found in schools of 100 or more, making for exciting bursts of action. Don’t try to eat these bottom skimmers or you’ll quickly realize how they got their name.
Recipe for Baked Macaroni and Cheese
Ingredients: 1 8oz. pkg. macaroni, 1 lb. diced cheese, 2 cans evaporated milk, 1 onion chopped, salt and pepper to taste, sweet pepper if desired & 2 eggs.
Method: Cook macaroni according to package directions. Drain macaroni and add cheese. Stir for cheese to soften and add balance of ingredients. Pour into pan and bake at 350 degrees until browned.
Method: Cook macaroni according to package directions. Drain macaroni and add cheese. Stir for cheese to soften and add balance of ingredients. Pour into pan and bake at 350 degrees until browned.
Recipe for Conch Fritters
Ingredients: 1 lb. conch, 2 oz. onion, 2 oz. celery, 2 oz. green pepper, 1 egg (beaten), ½ oz. baking powder, 12oz. flour, salt, Tabasco Sauce, water.
Method: Cut the conch, and vegetables into ¼ inch dice. Mix the eggs, flour and baking powder and seasonings with sufficient water to form a fairly firm batter. Combine all ingredients and allow to rest for 15 min. prior to deep frying.
Method: Cut the conch, and vegetables into ¼ inch dice. Mix the eggs, flour and baking powder and seasonings with sufficient water to form a fairly firm batter. Combine all ingredients and allow to rest for 15 min. prior to deep frying.
Bahamian Dishes
You can find almost any kind of international food in the Bahamas, but there are some dishes that are unique to the Bahamas. Seafood lovers enjoy tasty treasures from the sea, which include crawfish, conch, crabs, and fish such as Grouper and Yellow Tail.
Conch can be served in a variety of ways, such as conch chowder, conch stew, conch salad, popular conch fritters and cracked conch. Boiled fish and grits is a favorite breakfast. Other specialties include Bahamian stew fish, Bahamian crawfish, peas n' rice and Johnny cake.
A typical Bahamian meal consists of crab and rice, steamed fish, served with baked macaroni and cheese and potato salad. Bahamian desserts include coconut or pineapple tart, bread pudding or guava duff served with a sauce.
Conch can be served in a variety of ways, such as conch chowder, conch stew, conch salad, popular conch fritters and cracked conch. Boiled fish and grits is a favorite breakfast. Other specialties include Bahamian stew fish, Bahamian crawfish, peas n' rice and Johnny cake.
A typical Bahamian meal consists of crab and rice, steamed fish, served with baked macaroni and cheese and potato salad. Bahamian desserts include coconut or pineapple tart, bread pudding or guava duff served with a sauce.
The Caves
The caves are ancient caves said to once have been the homes of the original inhabitants of the Bahamas. Now, they are home to hundreds of bats. These bats have lived in these caves for many years and it is truly an amazing site to see.
The Queen's Staircase
Nassau's most visited attraction is the Queen's Staircase.It has 65 steps which is carved out of solid limestones by slaves in the late 18th century, between 1793 and 1794. It is reported that slaves were forced to cut through rocks with axes and other sharp hand tools.
This 102 foot staircase was named in honour of the 65 years of Queen's Victoria's reign. Construction of this monument is still regarded as remarkable.
This 102 foot staircase was named in honour of the 65 years of Queen's Victoria's reign. Construction of this monument is still regarded as remarkable.
Fort Charlotte
Fort Charlotte is the largest and most interesting of the three forts found in Nassau. Built in 1789 by Lord Dunmore and named in honor of the wife of King George III.This fort has never fired a shot in Battle. It includes a water-less moat, draw-bridge, ramparts and dungeons. Fort Charlotte commands a fine view of Nassau Harbor.
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