Getting Ready For Junkanoo? - Caribbean Carnival Season

By Aimee Mahmoud

As millions of North Americans are still reeling from December holiday festivities, thousands across the Caribbean Islands begin to prepare for what is known as the Winter Carnival Season. Known in The Bahamas as "Junkanoo" and taking place every December 26th (Boxing Day) and New Year's Day, Junkanoo is a vibrant, fun-filled celebration that hundreds of Bahamians eagerly take part in. Junkanoo, like most Caribbean Carnival traditions, is thought to have its origins in West African Yoruba festivals. African slaves in the West Indies during the 16th and 17th centuries were sometimes given a special holiday around Christmas time where they were allowed to leave the plantations they were tied to in order to be with their families and take part in some of the traditions they were forced to leave behind. There are also elements of the Taino Native beliefs and traditions present, especially in the apparel designs. This carnival holiday continued even after emancipation, eventually becoming a part of Bahamian national identity. Junkanoo is characterized by street parades featuring dancers, both male and female, in colorful, flamboyant costumes, sometimes depicting folkloric characters; decked with beads, jewels, feathers, and topped off with an extravagant headdress. Playful dances and Calypso music accompany the performers, along with decorative floats and sometimes even singers and stilt-walkers. Festival delicacies and commemorative gifts are sold by vendors on wheeled trolleys. On the islands of Montserrat, Saint Kitts, and St. Croix, carnivals commemorating "The Three King's Day" are held much to the same effect. Amongst the inhabitants of the Caribbean Islands, carnival season is a joyful event that many islanders of all ages anticipate. Even for those who have migrated to countries like the U.S. and Canada, Carnival Season remains a tradition they hold dear to their hearts. 

Get a head-start on your Carnival festivities with (you guessed it) a mysterious mask like this 'Butterfly Feather Adult Mask'

For a more traditionally flashy look, an 'Adult Neon Pink and Green 80s Masquerade Mask' will do just the trick.

And for the boys and gentleman, a 'Devil Mask - Venetian Mask" will make you the arch-villain of the parade!

Though a good mask is an important finishing touch for any carnival dress, the main ingredient is elaborate, intricate attire. Dresses, leotards, pants, and bikinis covered in sequins, glitter, and embroidery are of the essence for any Carnival outfit. It is not uncommon to see performers wearing ornate accessories like these 'Adult Theatrical Wings'.

Most importantly, Caribbean Carnival puts a strong emphasis on having a great time with friends, neighbors, and loved ones. But you don't need to necessarily live in The Bahamas to experience it for yourself - dozens of local carnivals and parades are held across the U.S. and Canada every year by citizens of Caribbean descent. Or just go the self-sufficient way and organize your own! (Within the limits of local city laws and policies, of course).

 Junkanoo Parade: