Uncertainty deepens over Junkanoo parades

The highly anticipated Boxing Day and New Year’s Day Junkanoo parades in The Bahamas are shrouded in uncertainty as a rift emerges between the government and the Junkanoo Corporation New Providence (JCNP) over event participation. Reports suggest that major A Division groups, including the Saxons Superstars, the World Famous Valley Boys, Roots, and One Family, may opt to perform under the JCNP’s independent events rather than the government-led parades. This division has left Junkanoo enthusiasts confused and divided, with many fans vowing to follow the major groups wherever they perform. Group leaders have remained silent, fueling speculation and leaving members scrambling for clarity. While B Division groups appear unified in their support for the JCNP, A Division members express frustration over what they describe as unilateral decision-making and poor communication. The JCNP announced plans to host two independent community Junkanoo experiences on Bay Street, emphasizing a return to the festival’s “purest, most organic form.” However, the National Junkanoo Committee (NJC) denies reports of major groups withdrawing from the official parades, asserting that preparations are on track. The situation has sparked concerns about the cultural and economic impact, with tourism stakeholders warning that a scaled-down parade could harm the country’s image. Long-time Junkanoo lovers lament the politicization of the beloved tradition, calling for unity to preserve its legacy. As tensions persist, the future of this cherished cultural event hangs in the balance.