Junkanoo World

Junkanoo World Museum and Arts Center is a hidden gem, located on Nassau Street, a bit of a walk, away from downtown Nassau.  We only found out about Junkanoo World as it was mentioned by our guest speaker on the day of the New Year’s Junkanoo. As our team decided to go, we were mesmerized from the moment we stepped inside. 

From the entrance of the building, you can see how passionate the owners of Junkanoo world are on this 400-year traditional festival. As you walk in, you are greeted by a colorful display of Junkanoo costumes and headpieces. Then, you come to a clearing where you see a walkway displaying drums, decorations and a brief history of Junkanoo.

Junkanoo World was formed by a long-time patriot of Junkanoo and founder of one of the largest performing teams, “ROOTS”, Mr. Quentin Woodside “Barabbas”. We were very fortunate to be greeted by Barabbas himself as he was preparing the courtyard for a breakfast after Junkanoo ended in the morning. It was fascinating to learn how Junkanoo has evolved.

We entered the main hall which was a high ceiling room packed from top to bottom, filled with Junkanoo props from previous years, and we were told that they were making room for more props to arrive later, after the Junkanoo festival ends at New Year’s morning. The exquisite craftsmanship of the men and women involved in their teams’ project is astonishing. It makes you wonder how long it takes for them to complete each piece and assemble them for this annual event.

 

But the most awesome experience of all was when we approached the back room filled with Junkanoo costumes where you can try on and take pictures of. It is an extremely wonderful to be able to have a glimpse of what it feels like to be a part of this Bahamian festival.   

I was surprised that there were not many people visiting this attraction, as it was the day of the New Year’s Junkanoo, but then again, not many tourists know about Junkanoo. I believe if all the parties involved were to promote Junkanoo, the number of visitors to this museum and art center would multiply tenfold.  

And maybe because we visited Junkanoo world later in the afternoon, we did not see many staff around, as they must have been in preparation of the Junkanoo festival that would take place later that night. However , at the end of our tour,  a young drummer performed for us to top off this unique experience.