 Bahamas Junkanoo Festival invites guests
Added: 12/29/2005 |
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Perhaps, when hearing the word 'festival' you imagine luxury of colors and sparkles of fun, happy faces and loud music, miraculous fancy dresses and quaint dances. The best samples of so a breathtaking event can probably be found in the southern hemisphere where the sun is hot, people are well-wishing, and fun is impetuous. And the most spectacular festivals are, no doubt, in Rio de Janeiro and the Bahamas.
People believe that the origin of Bahamas Junkanoo Festival goes back as far as XVI-XVII centuries. Presently, the event is held twice a year: on December 26 - the Boxing Day, and January 1 - the New Year's Day. When in early ages, there was slavery in the Bahamas, and the forced were given a few days of rest around Christmas allowed to leave the plantations and celebrate Christmas and New Year in the family circle with music, dances and unusual attire.
When slavery was abolished, Bahamas Junkanoo Festival almost disappeared. Only a small group of locals kept on celebrating it and following the customs. Yet, as this tradition was very interesting and offered a perfect chance for people to have a bright and memorable rest the Festival began to grow and develop. Nowadays, it is one of the most dazzling and expected events in the world not only for Bahamians, but also for those having a good habit to visit annual Junkanoo.
If you want to know something new about Bahamian culture, music, art and lifestyle you should come to Junkanoo. In fact, this Festival is a calling card of the Islands. Visit it - and you will understand what a real action, excitement and competition mean. Perhaps, no other place in the world may brag of so much specific traditions and nowhere else will you meet so much hospitality and kindness.
You may also take part in Junkanoo yourself. There are a lot of fancy dress shops in each Bahamian city. The prices are not very high, the choice is wide enough, and you may join any parade group to dance and sing along. Do not hesitate a minute, the people of the Islands are always happy to receive you in their big and merry company. And you are sure to get such impressions you will never get while just standing and looking at the universal merriment.
It is to be said that Bahamas Junkanoo Festival is very popular all around the world, so if you want to enjoy all its beauty and get as many impressions as possible you should arrive at the place early. In Nassau, for example, the best places to see Junkanoo are upstairs on Bay Street or on the street-side bench seats. These positions may be reserved in advance. In point of fact, Nassau is the home of the most spectacular annual Bahamas Junkanoo Festival. Still, you may also enjoy the sight of the event on Grand Bahama, Eleuthera, Bimini and Abaco. These are the most popular Bahamian Islands.
The Abaco Islands are a real paradise for people fond of sailing and boating. Bimini is famous all over the world for big-game fishing in the waters around the Islands. Eleuthera, or Harbour Island, attracts a lot of tourists with miles of glistening pink and white sand beaches, serene colonial villages and pineapple plantations. The Grand Bahama Island is distinguished by emerald green waters, endless beaches, charming villages and fascinating marine life, all constituting the main Island's attractions. Bahamian archipelago consists of a number of islands, each perfect for rest. So, you won't be disappointed, no matter wherever you have decided to go.
And what if you cannot visit the Bahamas at Christmas time? Actually, it is not a reason to be upset, as you may watch Junkanoo parades in any case. In actual fact, they are also held in conjunction with other big events like, say, the Independent Day (July 10). The Bahamian people are very friendly and polite. They are proud of their world-famous Festival very much and do their best to make it more and more interesting and breathtaking from year to year. Their hospitality will make you feel at home. The Islands will give you a chance to get acquainted with local traditions and beliefs, and, of course, to see Junkanoo. Come to annual Junkanoo and feel the charm of this event much differing from any other world holiday.
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