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.