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.