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BAHAMAS JUNKANOO CARNIVAL MAY 7-9TH 2015
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IN THE SPIRIT OF JUNKANOO
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BAHAMAS JUNKANOO CARNIVAL MAY 7-9TH 2015
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MESSAGE FROM THE RT. HON. PERRY G. CHRISTIE, MP, PRIME MINISTER OF THE COMMONWEALTH OF THE BAHAMAS
I extend warm greetings to my fellow Bahamians and visitors to our shores, all of whom have come to experience the exhilaration of our inaugural Bahamas Junkanoo Carnival. Welcome to all! Bahamas Junkanoo Carnival 2015 now belongs to the Bahamian People. It is my hope and enduring vision that over the next three years that the returns to our local economy from this event will be in the millions of dollars and Bahamians from every sphere will be the beneficiaries. What you see unfolding before your eyes is a vibrant, eclectic and soul stirring release of the Bahamian pathos, identity and circumstance in our proud multiculturalism. For hundreds of years, Baja mar, as the Spaniards called us, for Islands of the shallow sea, we have hosted the world to our shores. In this episodic month of May 2015; we are proud to introduce the magnificent dimension of our very own Carnival. This mega event will now be etched in the social and cultural calendar As an annual event and from here on Bahamians and visitors alike can look forward to the first week of May as being the set dates for the Bahamas Junkanoo Carnival. This event has been forged in the crucible of our history, dating from the first landfall of Columbus in the New World on the shores of a Bahamian Island nearly 600 years ago, to the travails of the indigenous Indian or Lucayan people to the swashbuckling days of Blackbeard and piracy, to the formation of our ancient 235 year old Parliamentary
Democracy, to the African diaspora and the sad legacy of slavery, to the arrival of the American Loyalists; to Emancipation, to Majority Rule and the giant leap on our journey to National Independence in 1973. The Bahamas Junkanoo Carnival, by its very nature will embrace and embolden all facets of our history as we stress the totality of our history and the diversity of our people. My Government determined in December 2013 that the appointment of The Festival Commission to oversee and manage and bring into reality the dream of our very own Bahamas Junkanoo Carnival was a most necessary and urgent agenda as we re-brand our Tourism economy and allow for the re-energizing of the artistic talents of our people. Carnival is therefore a commercial jump start for what is envisioned will become a stable cottage industry in various related endeavours and provide an anchor for small and medium scale Bahamian entrepreneurship. I want to personally and publically thank the members of the Commission for their sterling and herculean effort and forbearance. Special Thanks to the Bahamian people who believe in the great future of our country and of our people and who will show the world during Bahamas Junkanoo Carnival Week that the Bahamas just keeps getting better. The Bahamian people will rise to meet this occasion. Have a wonderful and fun filled Carnival experience. God bless all of you.
The Rt. Hon. Perry Gladstone Christie Prime Minister/Minister of Finance
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TABLE OF CONTENTS
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MESSAGE FROM THE RT. HON. PERRY G. CHRISTIE, MP,
MESSAGE FROM
RECAP
DAY ONE
BAHAMAS JUNKANOO CARNIVAL
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VILLAGE SITE PLAN
MAP: MEGA STAGE MAP: JUNKANOO
ARTS
SCHEDULE
PAUL MAJOR, CHAIRMAN NATIONAL FESTIVAL COMMISSION
MAP: CULTURAL
MAP: NATIONAL
STAGE
MESSAGE FROM
A DREAM DEFERRED - NOW A DREAM REALIZED
MAP: PARADE ROUTE
MAP: BAHAMIA
HON. OBEDIAH WILCHCOMBE, M.P.
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FREEPORT, GRAND BAHAMA
$30 MILLION IN POTENTIAL GDP PROJECTED ANNUALLY CARNIVAL WILL PUT YOUNG BAHAMIANS ON THEIR FEET IN OWNERSHIP AND BUSINESS
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MESSAGE FROM
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HON. DR. DANIEL JOHNSON, M.P.
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VILLAGE
MAP: RAKE ‘N’ SCRAPE
SCHEDULE DAY TWO
BAHAMAS JUNKANOO CARNIVAL MAY 7-9TH 2015
WHAT IS IN THE WORD CARNIVAL
SCHEDULE DAY THREE
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MESSAGE FROM HON. OBEDIAH WILCHCOMBE, M.P. MINISTER OF TOURISM
Here we are making history at our very first Bahamas Junkanoo Carnival. This event is the catalyst to discover our new artists and rinse our country with pride and love for our culture and things Bahamian. This is so very important a national focus as our Tourism industry continues to show tremendous growth and vibrancy. Bahamas Junkanoo Carnival is yet another step in the journey to re-branding ourselves in the international acclaim and success of Bert Williams, Sidney Poitier, Bahamen, Johnnie Kemp, Theophilus Coakely and the T Connections, The Beginning of the End, Tony Seymour, Calvin Lockhart, Amos Ferguson, Brent Malone and Junkanoo. The Bahamian people have the enviable opportunity of participating and contributing to Carnival in a way that will keep us competively ahead in the industry and again separate us from the pack, because it just simply “Better in the Bahamas�. Sincerely,
Hon. Obediah Wilchcombe, M.P. Minister of Tourism
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COPYRIGHT © 2015 BAHAMAS JUNKANO CARNIVAL, ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. PRODUCED BY A CULTURE SHOCK/PROJECT MASTERS, FOR BAHAMAS NATIONAL FESTIVAL COMMISSION #14 COLLINS AVE | NASSAU, BAHAMAS PHONE: 242 356 2100 , NASSAU, N.P. THE BAHAMAS | www.bahamasjunkanoocarnival.com
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MESSAGE FROM HON. DR. DANIEL JOHNSON, M.P. MINISTER OF YOUTH, SPORTS & CULTURE
Welcome to the premiere Cultural City of the Caribbean.
Welcome to the inaugural first ever Bahamas Junkanoo Carnival 2015 land mark and launch. We are pleased on behalf of the young people - the artists, the artisans, poets, writers, dancers, designers, chefs and from everyone who has contributed to making this Carnival a reality - to present to you the Bahamian experience. Everywhere you go in this country, and over every inch of the Carnival Village grounds; you will discover that special Bahamian hospitality , warmth, charm, smile and friendliness that says we truly appreciate that you are sharing this time with us. Ever since Columbus found his way to the Bahamas and opened the gateway to the New World, the conversation has been about three great civilizations- The Amerindians or Lucayan/ Arawak/Carib people;’ the Europeans and the Africans. For more than 500 years and now at the dawn of the 21st century, we the Bahamian people, the inheritors of the Commonwealth of the Bahamas; are immensely proud to lift up, enlighten and share this experience as uniquely Bahamian. The Government of the Bahamas is fully committed to creating leadership, ownership and industry for our young creative geniuses. From this Carnival will come small and medium scale businesses in a new robust private sector which will be owned and operated by these artists. They will reap the benefit of their hard work and cultural wealth. We are pleased that the world has come to see our Bahamian Ting and we have every confidence Bahamians and visitors alike will enjoy and return next year to the greatest Carnival in the hemisphere. Sincerely,
Hon. Dr. Daniel Johnson, M.P.
Minister of Youth, Sports & Culture
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MESSAGE FROM PAUL MAJOR, CHAIRMAN NATIONAL FESTIVAL COMMISSION First, let me thank the members of the Commission for their diligence, patience, leadership, resilience and commitment to our mandate as given by the Right Honourable Prime Minister. Today we can proudly present to the Bahamian people Bahamas Junkanoo Carnival 2015 and say confidently that the foundation is secure for a continuous successful annual mega event. I want to assure the Bahamian people that due care and critical attention has been given to how your Festival Commission disbursed and used the finances afforded us to create this event. We give you are highest assurances that the GNP of our country will be positively affected and a niche Carnival Industry will spawn various successful spinoffs and enterprises. We have been saying from day one of our appointment to the Festival Commission that this Carnival belongs to the Bahamian people. To this end we welcome responsible criticisms, transforming suggestions and informed opinions to assist us in getting it right. We want the Bahamian people in the words of Dr Offf to “get involved�. This is your Carnival. Let us enjoy our Culture and our togetherness as we proudly present ourselves to the world. Grasp the opportunities that Carnival will present and unfold and have a peaceful, entertaining and heartwarming Bahamas Junkanoo Carnival weekend. On behalf of the Festival Commission we thank the Bahamian people for their understanding and support of our effort and work on their behalf. Sincerely,
Paul Major Chairman
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Grand Bahama Still Abuzz About Bahamas Junkanoo Carnival and Wanting More
housands of Bahamians and visitors gathered at Taino Beach, Grand Bahama for two nights of carnival excitement. The Grand Bahama Kickoff for Bahamas Junkanoo Carnival was the staging ground for the Music Masters Semi-Final Concert, and a grand display of Bahamian Culture. The top 10 songs were crowned at the event, setting the lineup in stone for the Nassau finals.
Approximately 30,000 patrons turned out to support the event, according to police estimates. Paul Major, Chairman of the Carnival Commission said very ambitious profits were realized by hundreds of vendors. Immediately after the event, Grand Bahama was abuzz with talk about travelers booking their hotels and cars for the 2016 staging of the event. The island received an
economic lift with high occupancy at the hotels and guest houses, and an economic boost to businesses associated with tourism, such as car rentals and restaurants. The Grand Bahama event officially kicked off Bahamas Junkanoo Carnival, leaving everyone wanting more. The second staging in 2016 is expected to be bigger and better.
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With our history with Junkanoo costumes and parades, the transition is very easy for them to move from one phase of our cultural development to another. This isn’t all new to us, it is just putting it all together in this format so that we can celebrate in a different way. At the end of the day we are still celebrating ourselves. -Mr. Roscoe Dames II CEO Bahamas National Festival Commission
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$30 Million in potential GDP projected annually Carnival will put Young Bahamians on their feet in ownership and business
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rime Minister Perry Christie told the House of Assembly in his mid-term Budget Communication he anticipates $30 million in potential GDP impact from the annual Bahamas Junkanoo Carnival. “With the proper execution of a national carnival-styled festival and expanded scope of cultural activities in the coming years the Government of the Bahamas can anticipate a potential GDP impact of $30 million from these initiatives,” the Prime Minister said.
Mr. Christie said the largest proportion of this economic stimulus will benefit and accrue to young people. “The economic impact of the Carnival will be particularly beneficial to young people who comprise the bulk of the performers, artisans, designers and other local entrepreneurs,” he said. The Prime Minister explained his vision for the Carnival: “Our vision and plans to expand our cultural offerings, and maximize on the use of our artists in showcasing our nation to the world in our first
annual Bahamas Junkanoo Carnival, will be realized” he said. “The Bahamas National Festival Commission, drawn from a wide cross-section of our community, in conjunction with the office of the Prime Minister, the Ministry of Tourism and the Ministry of Youth, Sports and Culture, have been working assiduously, not only to ensure the highest quality and appeal of the Carnival but that the maximum economic benefit is derived there from,” he said. Mr. Christie outlined the mandate which was given IN THE SPIRIT OF JUNKANOO
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to the Commission as: 1. To stimulate sustainable economic opportunities for small and medium enterprises in the creative sector throughout The Bahamas; 2. Bring to fruition a new Bahamian-style carnival; 3. Stimulate year-round employment in the creative sector; and 4. Positively and significantly impact GDP. “It is important to note that Carnivals are the largest income-generating festivals in the world, contributing significantly to increased
economic expenditure in tourism and overall economic growth in cities such as Toronto, New York, London, Miami, New Orleans, Jamaica, Barbados and Trinidad which host these special events,” the Prime Minister said. “Economic benefits are generated from the expenditures generated from increased stopovers, cruise passengers as well as local participation,” said Mr. Christie, a former Minister of Tourism. Mr. Christie said he had confidence in Mr. Paul Major, the Chairman of the
BAHAMAS JUNKANOO CARNIVAL MAY 7-9TH 2015
Commission. “In fact, the Commission’s Chairman has reported that of the $9 million the Government has committed to the Bahamas Junkanoo Carnival venture, $1.7 million has been spent with 214 small and medium local businesses throughout the islands which has already had an estimated impact GDP of $7.6 million and an additional $5 million expenditure between January and May by the Commission is conservatively projected to yield a GDP impact of $21 million this year alone,” the Prime Minister said.
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Another first for the Bahamas National Festival Commission
The Bahamas National Festival Commission inaugurated Youth Culture Fest, its signature children’s parade, on May 1, gathering hundreds of youngsters together to showcase indigenous made costumes. Youth Culture Fest brought together nearly 24 schools and community groups in a parade along West Bay Street, Fish Fry Road and Esplanade Way. Chief Executive Officer of the BNFC Secretariat Roscoe Dames said the event brought the nation’s youth together to promote all things Bahamian. “We were so excited to have such an interactive showcase of indigenous material on display in such a tangible and impactful way,” said Dames. “These kinds of events are what the Bahamas National Festival Commission intends to present to the country and the rest of the world.” Youth Culture Fest Coordinator Dr. Ann Higgins said each group that registered had a minimum of 50 school-aged children participate. Each group represented a Bahamian island, creating an overall cultural presentation of the Islands of the Bahamas.
Dr. Higgins said the event received full participation from pre-schools, senior high schools and community groups across the capital.. “Their costumes were adorned in local materials including sponge, straw, sisal, coconut and sea grape leaves,” she added. “This event encourages the nation’s youth to gather together in a talented and creative display of all things Bahamian.” “Youth Culture Fest brought a sense of self awareness and pride in their culture and showcased the indigenous beauty of our culture. This is an awareness that should be instilled from a very young age and that is what we have started to do.” The event has stimulated businesses that are geared towards producing indigenous Bahamian material, said Dames. “We brought all things Bahamians to the forefront in a creative manner,” said the CEO. “We look forward to the future success of this event.”
ABACO Young Bahamian Music ACKLINS Ft. Charlotte Urban Renewal ANDROS- Crusaders BERRY ISLANDS Le Chic Productions BIMINI– Kemp Road Urban Renewal CAT ISLAND - Urban Renewal Englerston West CHUB CAY – Fox Hill Urban Renewal CROOKED ISLAND 2 x 2 Preschool ELEUTHERA NNS Music Store Group EXUMA Ft. Fincastle Youth Club GRAND BAHAMA Nassau Village Urban Renewal GRAND CAY Loving Angels Preschool GREAT HARBOUR CAY Pinewood Urban Renewal HARBOUR ISLAND Bain & Grants Town Urban Renewal INAGUA – Englerston East Urban Renewal LONG ISLAND Urban Renewal Marching Band LONG CAY The Blooming Flowers MAYAGUANA Creative Folklore Arts Company MOORE’S ISLAND One on One Preschool NEW PROVIDENCE Mt. Carmel Academy RAGGED ISLAND Adelaide Village RUM CAY – Bahamas National Drill Team SAN SALVADOR – S. C. McPherson Jr. High School SPANISH WELLS Centreville Urban Renewal
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A Dream deferred - Now a dream realized. “What happens to a dream deferred? Does it dry up like a raisin in the sun? Or fester like a sore and then run? Does it stink like rotten meat? Or crust and sugar over like a syrupy sweet? Maybe it just sags Like a heavy load Or does it explode?”
–Langston Hughes
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hen Prime Minister Perry Christie summoned the media to a news conference at his office in December 2013 to announce a blue ribbon assembly of Bahamian talent to steer the country to its first ever Junkanoo Carnival in May 2015, Christie watchers knew this was an integral part of the Prime Minister’s legacy unfolding from a dream that could no longer be deferred. IN THE SPIRIT OF JUNKANOO IN THE SPIRIT OF JUNKANOO
21 From as far back as 1982 when he served as Minister of Tourism, Mr. Christie always found time to explore and invite conversation on how
the country’s thousands of artisans, particularly in Junkanoo, could find a new route to economic sustainability and gain a solid foundation as a cottage industry. Mr. Christie was knowledgeable about the market opportunities especially because of his exhaustive international technical research on skills training, machinery and apparatus for a souvenir light
industry manufacturing sector, one that could compete with the millions of dollars of exports brought into the country annually from sources as far away as Taiwan. Throughout the journey to the Bahamas Junkanoo Carnival Mr. Christie always maintained a clear and defined focus and vision to infuse culture in the Tourism economy i in a manner that would involve and benefit artisans. The Bahamas National Festival Commission (BNFC) arrived right on time to bring to life a vision which Prime Minister Christie had developed from he entered public life after Independence in 1973. It was no coincidence that Mr. Christie chose banker and fellow Junkanooer Paul “Dougie” Major to head the BNFC. “Paul came out of the Valley. He is a product of how com-
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munity and Junkanoo work together to build success. Christie chose him because he needed a leader who understood the business side of the carnival industry, understood the cultural side of Junkanoo and at the same time could provide the strength and focus to go the full course in the midst of the inevitable distractions,” said a spokesman. To fully grasp the Prime Minister’s philosophy on Carnival you have to travel to his childhood and experiences. His father, Gladstone Christie, was a trumpeter in the all black celebrated orchestra, “The Chocolate Dandies”, which played at the fabled Royal Victoria Hotel and other galas in the early 1950s. Other distinguished band members were Charles Carey, George Moxey, George Symonette and Rudy Williams. The young Christie grew up
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A Dream deferred - Now a dream realized.
appreciating his father’s devotion to his trumpet and the team spirit of the orchestra. When the late Winston “Gus” Cooper and others started The Valley Boys Junkanoo organization in 1958, Christie found his place in the front line. Hewas born and grew up on Mount Rose Avenue, just doors between the homes of many of the persons aforementioned.. Childhood friends recount with pleasure Christie’s first experiment with his signature Junkanoo dance, “The Christie Shuffle”. Added to his athletic prowess as a triple jumper, Mr. Christie was able to travel to several Caribbean countries to compete
while still a teenager and was able to witness firsthand how the Antiguans, Jamaicans and Barbadians had derived economic benefits from their culture, in the areas of music, art, craft, drama and multimedia. And there was Ronnie Butler, the youthful teenager and construction helper with the golden voice and swag who grew up in Christie’s mother’s kitchen. The family watched Ronnie Butler transform from working with mortar and bricks into a headline entertainer who was able to use a microphone, stand out as the lead in a five piece band and birth a unique form of calypso. Centreville coupled with the
Valley was a cornucopia of talent. It was the stomping ground of Tyrone “Dr. Off” Fritzgerald, the Munnings Brothers led by Raphael and their father Freddie Munnings Sr. In Centreville you could find the Yellow Bird Club on Wulff Road and Father Allen’s Chicken Shack on the corner where large television screens showed the Motown artist of the day at the famed Apollo Theatre in Harlem, USA. The young Perry Christie went on to obtain a university degree in law; he was admitted to the English and Bahamian Bar, respectively. He wasted little time in his quest to shape the post-independence Bahamas, entering front line politics in 1975 as a Senator appointIN THE SPIRIT OF JUNKANOO
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I am confident that this able and diversified body will be successful in bringing this initiative to fruition in a sustainable manner which would place The Bahamas high up on the annual calendar of world renowned Festivals - Prime Minister Christie
ed by Prime Minister Lynden Pindling. Two years later, the people of “The Valley” led by influential community leaders like Roosevelt Godet, Ezra Thompson, and Percy Munnings were solidly behind his campaign as he became
the PLP standard-bearer for the Centreville Constituency in the 1977 general election. He handedly defeated his opponent, Orville Turnquest, a friend of his father’s. Christie was appointed Min-
23 ister of Health and National Insurance by Prime Minister Pindling in his 1977 Cabinet. Any study of Christie’s earliest remarks reveal that wherever and whenever he could comfortably sway into the realm of Junkanoo and culture, from his technical portfolio, he would. He could always be found comfortably exhorting and defining a path for the Junkanoo souvenir craft industry, Bahamian music and the promotion of local artistic talent. Successful in winning his Centreville seat in the 1982 general election Christie became Minister of Tourism, where he served for just over two years, and regretfully, with his hand at last on the throttle of what many imagined would be the advent of this long foreshadowed cultural renaissance, there was a political fallout and again the dream was deferred. Fast track the tape to 2002: As Prime Minister, Christie begins the heavy lifting with support for anchor tourism projects in the Family Islands and the rebirth of the Cable Beach strip with Baha Mar, the Caribbean’s biggest resort project in some years.
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On December 27th, just days after the Boxing Day Junkanoo parade and days before the New Year’s Day Parade, the Prime Minister laid the dream on the table for the country. “As I foreshadowed recently while in Trinidad to attend a bi-lateral meeting with President of the People’s Republic of China Xi Jinping and as foreshadowed in my Budget Communication 2013-14,” Mr. Christie said, the time had come for the Bahamas to lay the foundation for the biggest and most exciting carnival in the region. “The Commission has been given the mandate to conceptualize, organize and launch a national festival that will seek to embrace Bahamian culture and endeavor to encompass the entire Bahamas in such a manner that would stimulate sustainable economic opportunities for Small and Medium Enterprises (SME’s). “The goal of this economically driven undertaking is to ultimately expand the Bahamian economy by creating opportunities for employment and entrepreneurship by promoting the participation of Bahamians and visitors in the festival through the sale of costumes, musical performances, and other forms of entertainment, arts, crafts, cuisine and any other creative saleable art form. “I am confident that this able and diver-
THE MEMBERS OF THE COMMISSION ARE:
Board Members: Mr. Paul Major, Mr. Robert
Sands, Mr. Ed Fields, Mr. I. Chester Cooper, Mr. Felix Stubbs, Mr. Fred Munnings, Jr., Mr. Max Gibson, Mrs. Patricia Mortimer, Mrs. Inga Bowleg, Ms. Muna Issa, Mr. Cameron Symonette, Mr. Jaime Dingman, Ms. Shanae Strachan, Ms. Brandace Duncanson, Mrs. Nicola Simmons and Mr. Leon Bethell Government: Hon. Obediah Wilchcombe,
Hon. Dr. Daniel Johnson, Hon. Khaalis Rolle, Mr. Creswell Sturrup, Mr. Harrison Thompson, Mr. Calvin Balfour and Mr. Simon Wilson, THE COMMISSION IS ALSO BEING PROVIDED WITH TECHNICAL RESOURCES BY:
Mr. Percy Francis, Mr. Arthur Gibson, Mr. Leslie Johnson, Sanique Culmer and Mr. Chris Justilien, Ginger Moxey. Mr. Roscoe Dames is CEO. sified body will be successful in bringing this initiative to fruition in a sustainable manner which would place The Bahamas high up on the annual calendar of world renowned IN THE SPIRIT OF JUNKANOO
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festivals,” the Prime Minister said. Along the way to the merry month of May, The Festival Commission embraced tremendous challenges. As usual with most progressive initiatives, a small group of activists sought to derail the mission early in the game. Further into the process it appeared as if the Bahamian media, although raking in thousands of dollars daily in
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pre- carnival advertising was on full throttle to scuttle the event. The Commission was not deterred. The Freeport kickoff was a grand success, setting a precedent for the entertainment industry in hotel room nights and occupancy and helping to rebound the Freeport economy. When the gates open to the Carnival Village on May 7th, 2015, Bahamians and visitors the world over will be stepping into a dream becoming reality, having been nurtured by Perry Christie’s journey.
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Independence Dr. | Nassau, Bahamas Phone: 242-394-1800
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Independence Dr. | Nassau, Bahamas Phone: 242-394-1800
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IN THE SPIRIT OF JUNKANOO
Independence Dr. | Nassau, Bahamas Phone: 242-394-1800
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BAHAMAS JUNKANOO CARNIVAL MAY 7-9TH 2015
Independence Dr. | Nassau, Bahamas Phone: 242-394-1800
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IN THE SPIRIT OF JUNKANOO
Independence Dr. | Nassau, Bahamas Phone: 242-394-1800
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BAHAMAS JUNKANOO CARNIVAL MAY 7-9TH 2015
Independence Dr. | Nassau, Bahamas Phone: 242-394-1800
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IN THE SPIRIT OF JUNKANOO
Independence Dr. | Nassau, Bahamas Phone: 242-394-1800
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BAHAMAS JUNKANOO CARNIVAL MAY 7-9TH 2015
Independence Dr. | Nassau, Bahamas Phone: 242-394-1800
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What is in the word
C A R N I V A L:
The Sights, The Sounds, The Tastes of The Bahamas
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hen Bahamas Carnival was first announced in December 2013 and scheduled for its inaugural roll out in May 2015, there was some resistance to the concept, as many Bahamians sought assurances the new national festival would not undermine the cultural standing of Junkanoo. Although there was always an intention to make Junkanoo a central focus of the festival, there was skepticism about the incorporation of other Caribbean cultural influences.
Bahamians are very familiar with the Caribbean carnival model that has found expression around the world, from Trinidad and Tobago to Edinburg, Canada and Miami, Florida. They are also familiar with the carnival models seen in Rio, Brazil and New Orleans, Louisiana. The word carnival is such an all-encompassing umbrella that it finds cultural expression in many different forms across the world. Although some of the most popular carnivals come from the Caribbean region and South Ameri-
ca, they vary in colour and style all across the world. The one item that remains consistent is the business model; the capacity of carnivals to produce economic benefits for their host cities and countries. The Bahamas Junkanoo Carnival, as it was ultimately named, adopted the carnival business model and used it to showcase a fusion of all things Bahamians: Art, Music, Food, Dance, and of course, Junkanoo. Public education took great effort, as the public wanted assurances about
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the continued preservation and celebration of Junkanoo. The public wanted a full understanding of the carnival business model and how Bahamian culture would take centre stage at the new national festival. A large number of carnivals are celebrated in conjunction with the Chrisitan season of Lent. Before Easter, lavish parties would be staged for the community to eat, drink and fill themselves with the very indulgences they woud give up for the 40 day Lenten period. Bahamas Junkanoo Carnival is one of the few post Lenten carnivals, representing a symbolic spirit of jubilation at the end of the fasting period. Carnivals are now mega events in just about every
major developed city and country in the world. People get to show off their culture and their history and their native land. Through Boxing Day and New Year’s Day Junkanoo, the Bahamas has been participating in this tradition for decades. Bahamas Junkanoo Carnival is just another opportunity to expand the cultural calendar into the spring, and do so in a way that will generate economic returns.
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Now that we have cleared up the definition of carnival, have fun as you Jump in Da Line from May 7-8, 2015 at the inaugural Bahamas Junkanoo Carnival.
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SCHEDULE
THURSDAY, MAY 7th Day 1 Stage Rake N Scrape 12PM-6PM New Wave Band Driftwood Band Stage Junkanoo 2PM-7PM Mini Junkanoo Rush Outs By: Englerston Pioneers Kaotic Junkanoo G-Junkanoo Performers Andrico Richardson Junkanoo Commandos Stage Bahamia 3PM -7PM Avante Guarden The Falcons Guest with The Falcons Pricilla Rollins with The Falcons Reuben G with The Falcons Opening Ceremomy 7PM-8PM
junka-mania
COB Junkanoo Ensamble Fiesta Fun Group Englerston Pioneers Vibes Carnival Ambasah Junkanoo OKESTRA The Fire Band JayneDoh & The Royalist Conquerors for Christ Drop your bucket and run Rhythm Nation Julien Believe with Visage Alison Hines with Visage Skinny Fabulous with Visage Bunji Garlin & Faye Ann withJUNKANOO AsylumCARNIVAL Vikings MAY Band BAHAMAS 7-9TH 2015
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SCHEDULE
FRIDAY, MAY 8th Day 2
Stage Rake N Scrape 12PM-6PM Ophie and the Websites (Cat Island) Tuff Skins (Cat Island) Bo Hog and the Routers (Cat Island) Ancient Man Stage Bahamia 2PM-7PM So Be It Band Rhythm Band The Falcons Avvy with The Falcons Stage Junkanoo 2PM-7PM Mini Junkanoo Rush Outs By: Conquerors for Christ Prodical Sons Da Porch Junkanoo Demonstation JJ's Junkanoo All Stars Goombay Rockers Colours
music masters
Mega Stage 8PM-until Visage Iwer George with Visage Djakout#1 (Haiti) ChocQuibTown (Columbia) TingUm Dem (House Band for Finalists) Sonovia Pierre Colyn McDonald Eria ' Lady E' Symonette Ian McQuay Sammi Starr Plati Dred Sketch Carey Bodine Johnson Georgina Ward Rigby Colyn McDonald Bahamen Machel Montano
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inalists in the Bahamas Junkanoo Carnival Song Competition will compete for a $20,000 grand prize on May 8th, 2015 at the Music Masters concert. This concert will ultimately determine who is crowned, Master of the Bahamian Sound. Nine artists will perform 10 songs;
the winning act will benefit from a partnership between the Bahamas National Festival Commission and
Sony Music. Sony Music will offer promotional support to the winner of the song competition.
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SCHEDULE
SATURDAY, MAY 9th Day 3
12:00 AM - 6:00 AM
11:00 AM - 8:00 PM Stage Rake N Scrape 12PM-6PM The Originals (Long Island) Bahamian Magic Lassido Boys Finale Concert 8PM- until Manolito Simonet y su Trabuco (Cuba) Ira Storr and the Spank Band (House Band) Funky D Raphael Munnings Ronnie Butler D Mac Stileet
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PARADE MAP
Road Fever is the main street parade of Bahamas Junkanoo Carnival. Participants purchase costumes from registered Road Fever Companies to ‘Jump In The Line’ in this one of a kind street party.
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Road Fever Companies
1. Bahamas Masqueraders 2. Barabbas Arawak Tribe 3. Chiccarney Revelers 4. Cirque Fever 5. Colours Junkanoo 6. Eden 7. Empire of Love 8. Enigma 9. Euphoria Madness 10. Explosion 11. Friends of Gus 12. Fun 13. Fusion 14. Ignition 15. Indigenous 16. Junkabrations 17. Junkanoo Commandos 18. Karisma Carnival Bahamas Ltd. 19. Magical Junkanoo Studios 20. Rhythms Bahamas Carnival Company 21. Sidjoyney 22. Spilligate 23. Starz 24. Sting Junkanoo Group 25. The Eutopians 26. Vindi Dynasty 27. Xtasy Band Bahamas 28. Xtreme IN THE SPIRIT OF JUNKANOO
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BAHAMAS JUNKANOO CARNIVAL MAY 7-9TH 2015
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IN THE SPIRIT OF JUNKANOO
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BAHAMAS JUNKANOO CARNIVAL MAY 7-9TH 2015
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IN THE SPIRIT OF JUNKANOO