Junkanoo is a heritage that started from the heart of Africa somewhere around the sixteenth century. Today, historians are still clue less as to how the word came about. It was said that John Canoe was a rebellious slave who fought for his right to celebrate with his people. There is absolutely no age limit as to who participates in the Junkanoo events. Like I said, they only try.
Winners receive thousands of dollars for performance, music and best of all, costumes.
Nassau is a small place. Costume designers are up at midnight in their shacks in the back of their yards carefully designing costumes. Some groups have as much as 600 members, which is rather large. Competition starts during the early morning of boxing day and new years day. All in all, Junkanoo is still one of the most exciting events in the Bahamas.