Junkanoo Parade

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Junkanoo Parade 2003

The Junkanoo Parade takes place during the Junkanoo Carnival in the Bahamas .

The Junkanoo is a form of music and dance that has existed in the Bahamas since the time of slavery . What exactly "Junkanoo" means and where it comes from is still unclear. Most of all it is said that an African tribal leader brought the Junkanoo with him, who came to the Bahamas as a slave. He was given the name John Canoe . He wanted the right to be able to celebrate with his people in the traditional African way. On December 25th and 26th , the so-called Boxing Day , he got his right.

It is also said that the name Junkanoo has a French origin and came to the Bahamas via New Orleans . The word "inconnu" is supposed to describe the strange and unknown masks of the Junkanoo participants.

The Junkanoo can be traced back to African origins and has remained almost unchanged to this day. In August each group sets the new theme for the festival, but the actual festival doesn't start until December 26th. Each group tries to present the most original costume , the most convincing dance performance and the most stirring music , because only those who convince with them will win the prize. The festival will be repeated on January 1st.

Music and Dance of the Bahamas

Music such as reggae , calypso and merengue have a long tradition in the Bahamas . But American soul music , rock and pop music are also very popular with the younger generation. But the traditional music and dance is “ Goombay ”. He comes from West Africa . The Goombay mixes the British Empire and Indian sounds. Traditionally it is only played and danced by men. It is passed on from fathers to sons.

Web links

Commons : Category: Junkanoo  - Album with pictures, videos and audio files