The vibrant pulse of Junkanoo resonated across Montagu Beach this Saturday as the annual number picking ceremony electrified the atmosphere, marking the official commencement of the highly anticipated parade season. This pivotal event, steeped in tradition and competitive spirit, drew massive crowds of enthusiasts and local residents eager to witness the determination of performance order for the iconic Boxing Day and New Year’s Day parades.
In a ceremony brimming with anticipation, representatives from the nation’s premier Junkanoo groups stepped forward to draw their positions. The results set the stage for a thrilling competitive landscape. For the prestigious Boxing Day Parade A Category, the Music Makers clinched the coveted first position, earning the right to lead the procession. They will be followed in sequence by the Shell Saxons Superstars, The Prodigal Sons, The Valley Boys, Roots, One Family, Genesis Warhawks, and the World Famous 1958 group.
The B Category lineup for Boxing Day will be spearheaded by The Ultimate Force. The subsequent order includes Redland Soldiers, Dynasty Junkanoo Group, Foundation Junkanoo Group, Chipping Knights, Colours, Body of Christ Crusaders, The Immortals, Fancy Dancers, The New Viking, and The Mighty Eagles.
Demonstrating remarkable consistency, the Music Makers also secured the lead for the New Year’s Day Parade A Category. The full running order for January 1st is set as follows: Music Makers, World Famous 1958, The Valley Boys, Shell Saxon Superstars, Genesis Warhawks, One Family, Prodigal Sons, and Roots.
The B Category order for the New Year’s Day spectacle will commence with Z Bandits, followed by Chipping Knights, The Ultimate Force, Conquerors of Christ, Mystical Bombers, Foundation Junkanoo Group, Dynasty Junkanoo Group, The New Viking, Body of Christ Crusaders, Redland Soldiers, The Immortals, Fancy Dancers, Colours, and The Mighty Eagles. This ceremonial drawing of numbers has effectively positioned the groups for their upcoming artistic and musical showdowns on Bay Street.