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Published: December 28th 2010
Junkanoo Nassau 2010
Junkanoo Nassau 2010
Ahoy Mates
www.WeBeSailing.comJunk Junk Junkanoo, Junk Junk Junkanoo.... This is the rhythm that bellows threw the streets of downtown Nassau as thousands of people gather to view an incredible array of floats, costumes and dancers surrounded by musicians blowing their trumpets and horns, clanging their bells and pounding their drums to the beat of joyful songs.
You can’t help but join into the beat and sway side to side as if you were part of it all...because you ARE part of it all!!!
This year, we were privileged to be in Nassau during this annual festival. Similar to Mardi Gras in the southern US and Brazil’s festival in Rio de Janeiro, this is the mark of the Bahamas and what a colourful one it is indeed. We were mesmerised by the beauty of their costumes and hypnotised by the sounds of the beat.
The word "Junkanoo" derived from an African slave master and trader named "John Canoe" in the 17th century. These slaves were not allowed much freedom and would hide in the bushes when they had the chance. While in the bushes, they would dance and make music while covered in costumes that they made from various paints that they
Junkanoo Nassau 2010
Junkanoo Nassau 2010
Ahoy Mates
www.WeBeSailing.com made and leaves that they found. This festival represented the slave's freedom from slavery.
This festival runs over 12 hours commencing at midnight on the 26th of December continuing on to around 1:PM the following day. Being the sleepy heads that we are, we left the marina around 6:am to head downtown and stayed for the remainder of the parades.
All costumes are fashioned from cardboard and are decorated in a multitude of layers of crape paper, feathers, beads and tiny plastic jewels that result in ornate displays of creativity. Costumes, dancing and floats are judged by a panel based on creativity, synchronicity and general grander.
This year there were many floats themed in memoriam of Haiti’s disasters and in thanks to the aid brought by the people and nation of Nassau and the Bahamas.
We were informed that this festival actually happens twice yearly... The first and last week of the year. The first celebration is held on January 2nd-3rd and the second is celebrated December 26th-27th, both commencing the first minute of the day (12:01 a.m.) and going on for a little over 12 hours...
We realize it’s been a long time since
Junkanoo Nassau 2010
Junkanoo Nassau 2010
Ahoy Mates
www.WeBeSailing.com our last blog and have done many things since we last posted. We spent the summer in St-Augustine Florida, at the Rivers Edge marina where we enjoyed ourselves immensely. This marina is located on the San Sebastian river and is a well protected haven for cruisers. Perfectly located, we had access to all shops, West Marine and historic downtown district within walking distance.
We were introduced to Pirate’s way of life and partook in the 2010 Pirate Gathering which last 3 days. The city fills with people from all over the nation, dressed in Pirate Garb and walking the streets of this very historic town. The city was founded in the mid 1500’s and was burned to the ground by Pirate 3 times. It was grounds for many battles and still stands today to share its vivid medieval and renaissance history. We will write a separate blog for this event because we have much more to share.
We also took advantage of our down time to haul and re-paint our beloved WeBeSailing. We changed our colors and have re-coated the hull in a black gloss, which gives her the allure of a Pirate ship herself. We love the
Junkanoo Nassau 2010
Junkanoo Nassau 2010
Ahoy Mates
www.WeBeSailing.com theme so much that Eric built a Canon (that shoots potatoes) and we will be holding Pirate Supper parties on the quarterdeck this year for all who join us on our adventure. We will hold these celebrations in full garb (costume) and ask that our guests plan for proper Pirate attire. Failing to do so will force us to dress them like the proper wenches and scallywags they deserve to be!!!
Our season is already a little over half booked but we still have some great weeks available. Should you be interested in joining us for a week and want to come roast your buns a little, please drop us a note so we can let you know our availability dates.
Keep warm and a happy remainder of the year to Ye All !!!
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Bob Fleury
non-member comment
robfleury@videotron.ca
Awesome pics, and great script. Thank you for sharing it.