What is Junkanoo art?
Junkanoo is the national festival of the Bahamas that was started by slaves who came to the Islands during the 16th century. The art of Junkanoo costumes and instrument making is now taught in public and private schools, with annual Junior Junkanoo costume parades in early December.
How much does Junkanoo art cost?
The cardboard is painted, outlined, and then dressed by pasting colorful paper beads and jewels to depict a theme. This is a very time consuming and expensive process. Preparation starts from about August and ends in December, with average individual costs of $1,500.
Why is Junkanoo celebrated?
Junkanoo is a Bahamian cultural celebration that includes dance, music, spirituality, and a celebration of freedom. In its purest form, it was how the slaves expressed jubilation from the their lives of captivity. Junkanoo was originally celebrated in the evenings, after the slave owners had gone to bed.
What are the instruments used in Junkanoo?
Traditional instruments of Junkanoo include whistles, bells and the goatskin-covered goombay drum, which is suspended around the neck and played with both hands, with the recent addition of brass instruments such as trumpets, trombones and sousaphones.
What is the origin of Junkanoo?
Junkanoo, named after the West African John Canoe Festival, originated in the Bahamas around the 17th century as a masquerade. Slaves with their faces hidden under a flour paste, celebrated on Boxing Day and the day after Christmas.
Why do they celebrate Junkanoo?
Junkanoo, named after the West African John Canoe Festival, originated in the Bahamas around the 17th century as a masquerade. Slaves with their faces hidden under a flour paste, celebrated on Boxing Day and the day after Christmas. Today, as a cultural expression, Junkanoo is highly revered.
Where is Junkanoo celebrated?
Where does Junkanoo take place? Junkanoo is a bi-annual celebration of sights and sounds that takes place on Bay Street in Nassau and on many of the Out Islands.
Why is Junkanoo important?
Junkanoo is a Bahamian cultural celebration that includes dance, music, spirituality, and a celebration of freedom. In its purest form, it was how the slaves expressed jubilation from the their lives of captivity. Junkanoo has been an important part of the development of Bahamian culture.
How is Junkanoo celebrated?
The Original Junkanoo Costume Slaves with their faces hidden under a flour paste, celebrated on Boxing Day and the day after Christmas.
What is the history of Junkanoo?
Junkanoo, named after the West African John Canoe Festival, originated in the Bahamas around the 17th century as a masquerade. Slaves with their faces hidden under a flour paste, celebrated on Boxing Day and the day after Christmas. Later, flour paste was replaced by wire masks held on a stick.
What instruments are used in Junkanoo?
Influenced by West African drum rhythms, American blues, and Caribbean culture, Junkanoo music incorporates drums, cowbells, brass horns, and whistles.
What is Junkanoo for kids?
Caribbean for Kids — Junkanoo — All Around This World Most agree that the tradition is over 200 years old and began as a celebration of African slaves either to mark their yearly three day Christmas “holiday,” or of former slaves to mark their emancipation.