Genesis Junkanoo group performs under the theme “The Wedding” in December 2019. (FILE PHOTO)
NASSAU, BAHAMAS — “I never imagined there would be a Christmas day I would wake up and not take Bay Street for Junkanoo morning,” said longtime Junkanooer and Roots Chairman Wendell Francis.
In the midst of the coronavirus pandemic, both the Boxing Day and New Year’s Day Junkanoo parades were canceled, in efforts to contain the spread of COVID-19 in The Bahamas.
The parades are an annual celebration with larger-than-life themed costumes, dancing and music.
Roots – Boxing Day Junkanoo 2016
However, with COVID-19 cases in the country currently at a lull and restrictions still in place, health officials have classified Junkanoo preparation and parades as “superspreader events” and advised they will not be endorsed or supported by the EOC.