I had just been engaged and was on a 3-day weekend cruise to the Bahamas with my new fiancé and my parents. We had spent the morning in Nassau doing some really awesome snorkeling and had wandered into town to eat. I had been to Nassau once before and loved it so I was pretty excited to be back. We noticed, however, that there was an unusual excitement in the air. People were lining the streets and music was playing. We quickly realized that there was a parade coming! There was dancing, singing, and beautiful, wonderful costumes. We asked a nearby security guard what was going on and he replied “JUNKANOO!” (We couldn’t hear him over the noise very well, so we had to later ask about Junkanoo.) This sticks out so clearly in my mind because it was such an indescribable feeling. The air and feel of the parade / party was so lively. People of all races and colors were dancing down the street together in one happy group following the musicians. It was everything you hope a trip to the Nassau would be.
Pictures are forthcoming as soon as I can get to a scanner. This was before my life was digital.
