Junkanoo is a street parade with music, dance, and costumes of mixed African origin in many islands across the English speaking Caribbean. These cultural parades are predominantly showcased in the Bahamas where the music is also mainstreamed, and competition results are hotly contested.
The festival may have originated several centuries ago, when enslaved descendants of Africans on plantations in The Bahamas celebrated holidays granted around Christmas time with dance, music, and costumes. After emancipation the tradition continued and junkanoo evolved from simple origins to a formal, organised parade with intricate costumes, themed music and official prizes within various categories. It is also performed in The Bahamas on Independence day and other historical holidays.
The origin of the word junkanoo is disputed. Theories include that it is named after a folk hero named John Canoe or that it is derived from the French gens inconnus (unknown people) as masks are worn by the revellers.
Dances are choreographed to the beat of goatskin drums and cowbells.
Stamp Releases
1971 Definitive Series – $3 Junkanoo
Postcards
1971 – John Hinde Limited (2BH Series – Type A – No.1-49)
