Bahamians Don’t Play About Junkanoo

There are some things Bahamians don't play about - mayo in conch salad, pocky vs pockin’ and most importantly - Junkanoo.

The term "shack rat" is not derogatory - that's just a born, bred, ga dead Bahamian Junkanooer. They have a deeply rooted love and passion for this unique aspect of Bahamian culture - so much that they spend months in the Junkanoo shacks creating one-night-only works of art. (Not to mention thousands of dollars on feathers and tricks or the callouses and burns that they earn for the sake of their artistry.)

For those who don't know - Junkanoo is expensive, time consuming and come SHOWTIME - it is downright exhausting.

In addition to the construction, pasting and tricking of the costumes, there are lots of practices to get the choreography and music just right.

During the day of the parades, it takes hours to get prepped. Be it last minute touches or repairs, intricate hair and makeup or loading and transporting the massive costumes to the parade route - there is a lot to do.

Each island is different, but in Nassau, the Junkanooers have to perform 3 laps - up Bay Street, down Shirley Street and up Bay Street. The 2025 New Year's Day parade was scheduled to begin at 2am. At about 9:30am, the Saxons were just nearing Rawson Square for their first lap - to stands that were still filled with die hard supporters.

The Shell Saxons Superstars, who had been waiting for the entire night to perform, put on a stellar performance. The high energy of the crowd and the stamina and showmanship of the performers was a testament to the deep love Bahamians have for Junkanoo.

The Saxons, who performed entirely in the daylight sun, earned a history making 4th consecutive victory with a score of 89.50. They also dominated multiple categories, including best music, best choreography, best performance, best lead costume, and best free dance.

It took months of hard work, countless hours of preparation, and perhaps a full 24 hours of tireless effort to make the parade happen - and the Junkanooers will do it all again in a few months for the sheer love of SHOWTIME.