Junkanoo

"I think Junkanoo is a maifestation of the potential that lies in the Bahamian spirit. While the fact that the tradition is not uniquely Bahmian is not widely recognized in The Bahamas, the Bahamian people can take pride in making flourish and thrive a tradition that has pretty much withered and died elaswhere. I believe this happened in tandem with social and political changes that were taking place. Junkanoo has served the ordinary citizen as a medium of expression of what is...
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"I think Junkanoo is a maifestation of the potential that lies in the Bahamian spirit. While the fact that the tradition is not uniquely Bahmian is not widely recognized in The Bahamas, the Bahamian people can take pride in making flourish and thrive a tradition that has pretty much withered and died elaswhere. I believe this happened in tandem with social and political changes that were taking place. Junkanoo has served the ordinary citizen as a medium of expression of what is possible despite disadvantages of size and limited resources.A fond memory of Junkanoo for me is a moment about ten years ago when I watched a young drummer in one of the groups perform. He was so skilled that the sounds of the other drummers seemed to fall away and I had something of an epiphany in realising that within this fantastic masquerade tradition we also have a great drumming tradition that could be celebrated, and developed, independently."Basil Smith