Junkanoo College Essay Example

town center, like a wild ocean of colour, while deep goat skin rhythms reverberate off the surrounding walls and cow bells chatter over the singing of brass horns. The sidewalk like a snake comes to life twisting blacks and browns while balconies and roof tops sway under the rhythmic feet of onlookers. There is a timeless sense, a feeling inside that is so vital that even the deaf feel to move. And as though possessed, these God-like cardboard sculptures dive and rise to the awesome music that lifts their spirits beyond the flesh.

Music plays the most important part of Junkanoo. The rhythmic sounds of goatskin drums, cowbells and whistles accompanied by a separate brass section create an infectious beat that’s too strong to resist! Besides, as Junkanoo traditions have evolved, so do the costumes. Sea sponges, leaves, fabric and shredded paper have at one time or another played their part in costume construction. Costumes today are made out of crepe paper that is meticulously glued to fabric, cardboard or wood. They usually consist of a headdress, shoulder piece and skirt, which are elaborate and brilliantly coloured.

Group members make their own costumes and it may take them up to a year to complete the intricate creations. Costume design is tied to a theme and is a carefully guarded secret. The themes vary greatly. They can be contemporary, based on the past or anything the group chooses. Junkanoo is reminiscent of New Orleans' Mardi Gras and Rio de Janeiro's Carnival. Parade participants are arranged in groups of up to 1,000 and are organised around a particular theme. Their costumes, dance and music reflect

this theme. At the end of the Junkanoo procession, judges award cash prizes.

The three main categories for the awards are: best music, best costume and best overall group presentation. The most spectacular Junkanoo parade occurs in Nassau. However, you can also experience it on Grand Bahama, Eleuthera, Bimini and Abaco. This Bahamian festival of Junkanoo is an energetic, colourful parade of brightly costumed people gyrating and dancing to the rhythmic accompaniment of cowbells, drums and whistles. Today, it is a joyous celebration of freedom. It is an important part of the Christmas season, and The Islands Of The Bahamas is the only country where you can experience it.