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Harborside Resort at Atlantis

Paradise Island, One Casino Drive, P.O.Box N-4777, Nassau, Bahamas

Phone: 242-363-6800 | Check in: 4 p.m. | Check out: 10 a.m.

86°F / 30°C

Resort Info 

Things to do | Junkanoo Parades

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Junkanoo dates back to the time of slavery when those enslaved were given rare time off during the Christmas holiday. To celebrate they would congregate in the streets singing and dancing from house to house dressed in colorful costumes. Although the tradition nearly ended when slavery was abolished, it is now a well-established and vital component of the Bahamian lifestyle. Junkanoo is so important to local culture that there is an established Junior Junkanoo program in all public and private schools. The intent is to instill the heritage of this spectacular tradition, teach children about its history to preserve and celebrate it for generations to come.

One of the most iconic Junkanoo parades can be experienced during the Junkanoo Summer Festival, which has been voted Best Caribbean Festival by USA Today readers. This spectacular street parade is action-packed from the first performer to the last with lively music from goatskin drums, horns, cow bells and whistles. The pageantry continues with troops of dancers dressed in colorful, elaborate costumes making their way through downtown Nassau. If you’re able to visit during this time, you should definitely plan on joining this celebration of Bahamian culture and heritage.

Have Activity Questions?

Your Concierge Team is here to help.

Call 305-901-1987

or email [email protected]

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Community Recommends
5 Recommendations
Please note, these recommendations are the subjective opinion of the Vistana Community Members and not of Vistana Signature Experiences, Inc.
"Very Festive!"03/15/2018
"Very Festive!"
03/15/2018
We love to take in the mini Junkanoo Parade at the Marina at Harborside in December. It is a lot of fun for the kids to dance and jump around like the real participants.
"I visited harborside and went to the Junkanoo parade"03/14/2018
"I visited harborside and went to the Junkanoo parade"
03/14/2018
I recommend getting a favored spot along the parade route a few minutes before the start to enjoy the festivities.
"Festive and Colorful"02/16/2018
"Festive and Colorful"
02/16/2018
The people were extraordinary. They were so kind and attentive to bystanders, very engaging. We were on the island for a short stay and stumbled on the parade our first night. We were so delighted, it really set the tone for the rest of the week.
"Experience Bahamian Culture"02/08/2018
"Experience Bahamian Culture"
02/08/2018
I highly recommend taking a water taxi or regular taxi to downtown Nassau to experience a Junkanoo Parade. Then while you are there enjoy some of the Bahamian culture through shopping, local dining, and entertainment.
"Parades"02/08/2018
"Parades"
02/08/2018
If you are lucky a Junkanoo Parade will pass you by!! They are loud and colorful and so much fun!!

Our experienced, on-site Concierge Team will assist you throughout your stay.

— Kenva, Vacation Services Coordinator

Make your activity reservations

Call 305-901-1987 today.

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