Bahamas: Junkanoo Music and Dancing

Junkanoo is the colorful, exuberant festival held at Boxing Day and New Years each year. Featuring bright, colorful costumes (especially elaborate headdresses of jewels, feathers, and much more) and rhythmic, enchanting music.

From the first moment she stepped off the plane and heard drums, our three-year-old daughter developed her island dance. She was all about enjoying the buskers drumming along the marina, then the sound of music seemed to follow us everywhere throughout the week. She heard it in taxi cabs, stores, restaurants, even poolside, where a DJ with a laptop and a pair of turntables mixed a variety of upbeat jams.

Twice we experienced a special treat -- junkanoo parades or "rush outs". Sort of a cross between something traditionally African and a marching band, junkanoo is very energetic, with dancers moving to the sound of goatskin drums, cowbells, whistles, and horns.

The first time we saw the group near the pool, weaving their way through crowds of bikini-clad travelers. The second time was far more spectacular, as the entertainment for the farewell party for the N21 event that brought us to the Bahamas.

Photos simply do not do the experience justice. The dinner was on a large area beside a the glistening, still Royal Baths Pool near the Royal Towers. We were just wrapping up a dinner of Bahamian delicacies and yummy desserts when suddenly across the pool appeared a row of musicians and dancers clad in bright purples, shimmering golds. They announced their arrival with a blast of horns, then sprang into music that brought everyone to their feet.



The parade made its way around the pool and through the crowd, dancing to the front of the group and entertaining us with a few pieces. Bria rocked out the entire time, and the lead dancer (shown in purple) got really into dancing with her. It was great! Then she started a conga line, and Bria got right into the action. What a fun way to wrap up our experience at the resort!

TIP: Junkanoo brings a great taste of local culture to the resort atmosphere, which we really enjoyed. If you're visiting Atlantis, be sure to ask about the Junkanoo Rush Out which is held at the Marina twice a week.