Junkanoo Makes a Triumphant Return This Holiday Season
Junkanoo Celebrations Are the Ultimate Way to Experience Bahamian Culture and Heritage
NASSAU, Bahamas (1 Dec. 2022) — The rhythmic beat of goat skin drums and cowbells, extravagant costumes and showstopping dance performances will soon fill the streets of downtown Nassau, once again. The Bahamas Ministry of Tourism, Investments & Aviation (BMOTIA) is thrilled to announce that after a two-year hiatus, the joyous celebrations of Junkanoo, a grand parade celebrating Bahamian culture and heritage, will return to Bay Street on Boxing Day (26 Dec. 2022) and on 2 Jan. 2023 for the New Year’s parade.
“This year’s Junkanoo celebration will be special for The Islands of The Bahamas,” said the Honourable I. Chester Cooper, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Tourism, Investments & Aviation. “Boxing Day Junkanoo celebrations kickoff first, followed a week later, on 2 Jan., by New Year’s Junkanoo celebrations. When the clock strikes midnight on New Year’s Day, we enter not only into 2023, but also our nation’s 50th year of Independence. There is no better way to uplift our culture, people and country, than Junkanoo.”
Junkanoo, the national cultural festival, represents the rich heritage of the African diaspora and is a colourful tradition that speaks to the strength and resilience of the Bahamian people.
International visitors and locals will witness fierce competition as Junkanoo groups compete for titles ranging from “best music” to “best costume” and “best overall group presentation”. Celebrations leading up to the parade have already gotten underway with group practices in full swing and final costume preparations being made. The official selection of the order of performances will take place on 3 Dec. at Fort Charlotte and ticket sales will go live on 4 Dec. The official parade commences at 12:01 a.m. on event days, including seven Category A groups, 15 Category B groups, 22 individual participants and some 10 “scrap” groups that guests can jump in the line with, totalling more than 5,000 participants returning to Bay Street and Shirley Street.
“The talented Junkanoo groups are making final touches on their performances as we speak, and they never disappoint. Our capital city will be flooded with a sense of pride, which will reach every corner of our 16-island destination,” said Latia Duncombe, Acting Director General, BMOTIA. “There is no event more Bahamian than Junkanoo — it’s the spirit of our people, and we look forward to continuing to share it with the world.”
While the largest celebrations take place on New Providence, visitors can experience Junkanoo parades throughout The Bahamas:
- Eleuthera —The Annual Eleuthera Junkanoo will be held on Christmas Day (25th December) at 7pm.
- Long Island – After a long hiatus, the Long Island Junkanoo celebrations are back this 27 Dec. at 6 a.m.
- Grand Bahama Island — The New Year’s Day festivities will be held in Freeport on Monday, 2 Jan. 2023 at 6 p.m. Spectators can enjoy music, food, drinks and stellar competitions.
- Exuma — After a full day of extreme water sports and swimming with the pigs, come join us, Friday, 6 Jan. at 6 p.m. for an explosion of culture at this year’s Junkanoo parade.
- Cat Island — If you want to be swept away by the spirit of Junkanoo, come on out to Cat Island’s Junkanoo Festival on Tuesday, 10 Jan.2023 at 6 p.m.
- New Providence – Junior Junkanoo is the cultural and musical parade put on by students of primary and secondary schools in New Providence and Family Islands. Come and see the “heartbeat” of The Bahamas. Show out and show off during Junior Junkanoo in New Providence on Thursday, 26 Jan. 2023 at 6 p.m.
- Inagua – There is something to do for everyone in Inagua, and on Saturday, 4 Feb. 2023 at 5:30 p.m. Junkanoo will be back in full swing with a colourful display of music, costumes and much more.
- North and Central Andros – Watch out for the crawling crabs as you “rush” along the streets of Andros during this year’s Junkanoo Festival on 18 Feb.2023 at 6 p.m.
- Abaco — A local tradition, the New Year’s Day Junkanoo parade, culturally known as “rush” in Abaco, will be held Saturday, 25 Feb. 2023 at 6 p.m.
Dates for Bimini and San Salvador Junkanoo parades will also be announced shortly. Visitors are welcome to participate and can coordinate opportunities through their hotel partners to join in on the festival. For more information, visit Bahamas.com/events/Junkanoo.
ABOUT THE BAHAMAS
The Bahamas comprises over 700 islands and cays, including 16 unique island destinations you can visit. Located only 50 miles off the coast of Florida, it offers a quick and easy way for travellers to escape their everyday. The island nation also boasts world-class fishing, diving, boating and thousands of miles of the Earth’s most spectacular beaches for families, couples and adventurers to explore. See why It’s Better in The Bahamas at www.bahamas.com or on Facebook, YouTube or Instagram.
PRESS INQUIRIES
Anita Johnson-Patty
Bahamas Ministry of Tourism, Investments & Aviation