THE culture of The Bahamas can be successfully marketed abroad, especially within the United States, according to Randy Rolle, the country’s Consul General to Atlanta and surrounding areas.
“June officially marks Caribbean Heritage Month in the United States,” said Mr Rolle. “After attending the recent Atlanta Caribbean Carnival festivities and seeing first-hand the way Junkanoo left its mark on the Savannah St Patrick’s Day parade, I am quite optimistic about the opportunities that exist for us to export our culture to those who want to learn more about it.”
Mr Rolle commended such Junkanoo groups as Barabbas and the Tribe, who have been participating in the St Patrick’s Day parade for a decade, thanks in part to their relationship with Jack Flannigan, owner of the famous Tybee Island Crab Shack.
“They come over each year to participate in the oldest St Patrick’s Day parade in the US,” said Mr Flannigan. “It’s a wonderful opportunity because they showcase their Junkanoo with two performances per day during their stay on Tybee Island. Also, people who come into our restaurant always ask about our Junkanoo d�cor and we take pleasure in explaining the Bahamian connection.”
Mr Rolle said: “With so many rave reviews by reporters following the IAAF Relays mentioning Junkanoo, and Caribbean Heritage Month being celebrated right before our July 10 Bahamian Independence Day, The Bahamas has a great opportunity to participate in various cultural exchanges,” he said.
Comments
ThisIsOurs 9 years, 11 months ago
Yeah whoever planned the Junkanoo, keep them out if any planning to "showcase" Junkanoo to the world, 1. No one in the stands could see any of the performance, hint there were "visitors" in the stands, helloooo and 2. The performers never once appeared on the big screen..and then the cancellation at the end??. Persons were in the stands waiting for the performance to start...NOBODY announced anything, the last thing we heard was "and plenty of Junkanoo!!!" What disastrous placement. Keep them far away from the planning. The only saving grace was they were near the athletes
Andrewharris 9 years, 11 months ago
We have been hearig this nanny for some time now...what we have not seen is results
Emac 9 years, 11 months ago
The national music of the Bahamas is Goombay. Promote the Goombay Festival to the world. The real Goombay Summer Festivals (not the Junkanoo in June) had all of the splendors and ingredients to be marketed to the world. Junkanoo is not really unique to the Bahamas. A lot of the other Caribbean islands celebrated Junkanoo sometime or another, including North Carolina. Junkanoo is really a festival based on past traditions of our African heritage, when they used to celebrate the holidays (time off from slavery) with costumes, dance and music. As such, it should be kept it that context; A celebrative festival for Boxing Day and New Year’s.
BahamianAway 9 years, 11 months ago
I don't usually like to assume people are idiots but more than likely (very high possibility) you are one. Junkanoo is unique to the Bahamas, while other islands may practice similiar rituals of dancing it is not the same. Jamaica and North Caroline practice a ritual called Johnny Canoe which as I said is similiar but not the same. Both rituals are said to have roots in the African culture but Junkanoo which is unique to the Bahamian islands was started in the Bahamas by former slaves who when given a day off for holiday celebrated with this ritual.
If you don't know your Bahamian history I suggest you get off global media sites exposing your lack of education. Also it is Bahamians like you with your narrow thinking that has Junkanoo being celebrated on two days when it can be established into a lucrative festival spread over the week period between Christmas and New Years. This would allow for people to purchase tickets for everyday or just for the one night thereby allowing the groups to showcase the beautiful costumes that they spent months working on. It would also allow for more exposure as tourist who might want to see the event but maybe their cruise ship won't come till mid week, or those who are traveling after Christmas. Vendors wouldn't have to jam up and try to sell all their stuff in two days, they can earn more over a longer period.
But hey...Bahamians love to stay in the dark ages so carry on.
Emac 9 years, 11 months ago
Sigh... There you go again talkin shite. FYI I have written several books highlighting Bahamian music history, appreciation and papers on the origin of junkanoo. This is obviously not the forum for me to discuss this in-depth. I wouldn’t even dignify the rest of your comments with a response. I see you have an axe to grind. If you really want to contribute to the Bahamas, bring your ass back in this country and stop hiding behind a computer somewhere in the US spilling brown shit out of your mouth.
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