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.
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DESPITE the 2020 Junkanoo parades being cancelled due to the COVID-19 pandemic, some groups say they still plan to keep the Junkanoo spirit alive and celebrate through virtual events.
Saxons Superstars co-chair Kendenique Campbell-Moss said officials still have some activities planned to honour the Junkanoo culture.
“What we’re doing is a virtual collage where we send photos of our past costumes throughout the year and we’re going to look at those and virtually have conversations like ‘hey, this was one of our best music mornings,’ we’re going to do stuff in that nature,” she said.
No funding or health approval for scaled back parades
NASSAU, BAHAMAS The cancellation of both Junkanoo parades this holiday season marks the first time the annual event has not been staged in more than 65 years, according to Junkanoo Corporation of New Providence (JCNP) President Dion Miller.
Miller said the organization will be partnering with ZNS and Junkanoo242, a local talk show, to produce a virtual parade that will be shown beginning 10pm on Christmas Day and again at 2am on New Year’s Day.
Junkanoo Corporation of New Providence President Dion Miller. (FILE PHOTO)
Miller said every Junkanoo group was asked to submit footage of their best parade over the past decade that will be aired with live commentary, with groups explaining the thought process surrounding their selection and experiences over the years.