NASSAU, BAHAMAS – In a spectacular cultural resurgence, One Family Junkanoo Group captured the Boxing Day Parade championship, dethroning the two-time defending champions Shell Saxons Superstars in a vibrant display of Bahamian tradition. The group’s mesmerizing performance titled “001 Arabian Nights – Tales of Mystery and Magic” earned 621 points from judges, combining desert-inspired aesthetics, mystical characters, and seamless choreography that electrified Bay Street spectators.
The victory marks a triumphant return to prominence for One Family, whose performance generated some of the loudest cheers of the morning as supporters waved flags and rang traditional cowbells to fan-favorite musical arrangements. The Way Forward Valley Boys secured second position with 578 points, while the dethroned Saxons finished third with 533 points in the highly competitive A Division.
This year’s parade attracted thousands of attendees, including families, tourists, and dedicated Junkanoo enthusiasts who filled downtown Nassau’s streets to witness the return of elaborate costumes and powerful drumlines. The event also drew the attention of new U.S. Ambassador Herschel Walker, who attended his first Junkanoo parade and described it as “very, very impressive.”
Despite the celebratory atmosphere, operational challenges emerged as significant pauses between groups created frustration among sections of the crowd. The National Junkanoo Committee (NJC), overseeing the parade for the first time following the government’s dispute with the Junkanoo Corporation of New Providence, acknowledged these issues in a post-event statement.
The NJC attributed the disruptions to “route obstructions, sequencing and readiness challenges, and isolated incidents requiring law enforcement intervention” rather than intentional obstruction by participating groups. Commissioner Shanta Knowles clarified security arrangements, noting that a private security firm had been hired by the Ministry of Youth Sports and Culture to supplement over 600 police officers and 70-80 defense force personnel deployed for the event.
In a notable security enhancement, licensed firearm holders were prohibited from bringing handguns downtown for the first time in parade history. Attention now shifts to the upcoming New Year’s Day Parade, where One Family will attempt to achieve consecutive victories in Bahamas’ most celebrated cultural competition.