During my recent trip to Nassau, Bahamas, I had the incredible opportunity to visit the newly constructed Bahamas Junkanoo Museum, a space dedicated to preserving and celebrating one of the Caribbean’s most electrifying cultural traditions. Walking through the museum, I was immersed in the sights, sounds, and history of Junkanoo, a festival that has been the heartbeat of Bahamian culture for centuries.
What is Junkanoo?
Junkanoo is more than just a parade—it’s a vibrant expression of Bahamian identity, resilience, and joy. Held annually on Boxing Day (December 26) and New Year’s Day, the festival features elaborate costumes, rhythmic goombay drums, brass instruments, and an infectious energy that fills the streets of Nassau.
The origins of Junkanoo trace back to the days of slavery when enslaved Africans were granted time off during the Christmas holidays. These brief moments of freedom were filled with dance, music, and celebration, allowing them to preserve their African heritage while creating a uniquely Bahamian tradition. Over time, Junkanoo evolved into an organized competition between groups, each striving to outshine the others with dazzling costumes and electrifying performances.
Inside the Junkanoo Museum
The Bahamas Junkanoo Museum is located on Prince George Wharf at the Nassau Cruise Port. As I stepped inside, I was immediately drawn to the colorful costumes on display—each an intricate work of art made from cardboard, crepe paper, and feathers. These designs take months to create and showcase the creativity and dedication of those rushing Junkanoo.
The museum’s exhibits provide a deep dive into the festival’s history, from its African roots to its present-day grandeur. I loved seeing this incredible large float toward the entrance. On one side, is a homage to Bahamian history from the “discovery” of the Islands by the Spanish (you notice the ship and its flags), while on the other side is an homage to our African roots with masks, drums, cowbell and other instruments that encompass the history of this celebration. All around are natural florae and faunae indigenous to The Bahamas including flowers, flamingos, birds and dolphins.
Beyond the grand float, the next room is one of history with displays showcasing the tools and materials used in creating the bespoke costumes for Junkanoo, along with three life size examples of costumes, with one being made completely of sea sponge. It’s important to note that sea sponges were once the backbone of a thriving industry in The Bahamas. Showing costumes in this way displays the resilience of Bahamians in using whatever they had on hand to create such beautiful displays. And beside these costume examples are a wall of masks further showcasing the creativity of Bahamians and ties back to our ancestral roots in West Africa.
There is another very special room at the Junkanoo museum that allows us to be immersed in the Junkanoo experience. As you enter this room, you’re immediately surrounded by screens on three walls that loop video of the Junkanoo parades that take place yearly on Bay Street. And the fun part in this room is that we as visitors get a chance to get up close and personal with the traditional instruments including the cowbells and the goat skin drum. We even had a chance to shake the cowbells which, if you don’t know, makes a “kalik” sound which lends its name to the national beer brand of The Bahamas, Kalik. We also were able to try on costume pieces and welcomed to dance to the music booming from every corner of the room.
Why This Museum Matters
The Junkanoo Museum is a significant moment for Bahamian cultural preservation. While the festival itself is an unforgettable experience, having a dedicated space to explore its history allows visitors and locals alike to appreciate its depth beyond the parade. It serves as a year-round tribute to the artistry, music, and spirit of Junkanoo.
Visiting the museum filled me with so much pride of my ancestry and a greater appreciation for the passion and craftsmanship behind this iconic celebration. Whether you’ve danced in the streets of Nassau during Junkanoo or are just learning about it for the first time, this museum is a must-visit for anyone interested in Caribbean culture and history.
