2014 New Year’s Events on Providenciales, Turks & Caicos Islands
Don’t Miss the New Year’s Junkanoo Celebration on Provo
A swirl of a glittering skirt.
A parade of dazzling painted faces.
A pulsating rhythm in the air.
No, it’s not dress rehearsal for Phantom of the Opera, it is one of the most awaited New Year’s events on Providenciales, Turks & Caicos Islands.
When the clock strikes midnight and January 1st begins, Junkanoo (pronounced jon ka noo) is celebrated throughout the islands. Similar to Mardi Gras in New Orleans, Junkanoo is a festival involving people in jewelled masks and hand-made costumes parading in the streets. The origin of the name isn’t completely clear, but some say it comes from John Canoe, an 18th century West African tribal leader who wanted freedom for his people and desired that they should have a few days rest. After their owners had gone to bed was the only time slaves could be free to do what they wanted. Eventually slaves were granted free time away from work on special days like after Christmas and New Year’s Day.
Nowadays, Junkanoo commemorates freedom and resilience and is a high energy joyful event. Participants usually prepare their elaborate costumes months ahead of the New Year’s date. Each costume is quite literally a work of art. They create with an array of materials including beads, stones, jewels, and crepe paper to produce dazzling outfits, many of which portray social themes or unique characters. Echoing Junkanoo of years past are the face masks which are elaborate and expressive. It’s a visual feast of colour and energy.
The event however is not just about costumes. Junkanoo also involves a special kind of music called rake and scrape. Goombay or goat skin drums are beat or tapped. Carpenter saws are scraped with a nail, knife or screwdriver or bent to produce different sounds. Adding to the mix are accordions and electric guitars, all blending to create a sound unique to the Caribbean.
Every year the event draws crowds of enthusiastic people, whether participant or bystander. It’s a major calendar event and word about it spreads far and wide.
“Junkanoo is a tradition that people feed off and is what brings tourists to the area,” said Wesley Tanka Williams in an interview with Gemma Handy writing for the Turks and Caicos Weekly News, an islander who worked tirelessly for years to integrate Junkanoo into Turks and Caicos culture.
Williams taught young people about their heritage, costume making and music. And certainly this is how the tradition of Junkanoo will continue for years to come. It’s something that brings community together and enables islanders to share in national pride.
Junkanoo is not only an intensely entertaining event but enables any visitor to the Turks and Caicos Islands to catch a glimpse of the island’s deep cultural roots.
More Information about New Year’s Junkanoo
The 2014 Providenciales New Year’s Junkanoo will begin at midnight on Wednesday, December 31. Revellers will gather in downtown Provo in their creative costumes, where music will be made, and dancing will top off the festivities. Just a 10 minute drive from Villa del Mar, visitors to Providenciales will experience the energy and cheer of Caribbean culture well into the early morning hours.
