Lively goombay can be heard in the streets.
GOOMBAY RHYTHMS Te true heart of the Bahamas is reflected
in the lively festivals, music, art and dance of its people. Bahamian goombay, the Bantu word for rhythm, also refers to the goatskin drum used to create the echoing “goom-bahh” beat found throughout the is- lands. Goombay can be traced back to the days of slavery when music and dance were used for story-telling. Using their own in- genuity, slaves made use of what they had. Rakes and saws scraped with metal files (rake and scrape bands), drums made out of pork barrels and goat-skin, seed-pod mara- cas, rhythm sticks and “violins” made from a wash tub, stick and string. Te fast tempo beat is contagious and you can feel the en-
ergy it exudes rocketing through your body. JUNKANOO FESTIVAL Junkanoo is one of the most entertain-
ing street carnivals in the world! Te ex- travagant parades are a frenzy of colour as brightly costumed dance troupes “rush-out” to the mystical beats. Moving through the streets of downtown Freeport, generally be- tween 2 a.m. and 10 a.m., Junkanoo spec- tators are almost as energetic as the per- formers, they can be seen dancing in the streets, from balconies and even in trees! Te event is meticulously organized over several months with new themes planned for every parade. As many as 1,000 groups may take part, competing for cash prizes at these massive events. Traditionally Junk- anoo was held on New Year’s Day, Boxing Day and Independence Day in Nassau, but due to its popularity parades are also held on Grand Bahama Island, Eleuthera/Harbour Island, Bimini, Te Exumas and Te Aba- cos. Shows are also offered by many hotels as well, and now during various summer fes- tivals, so chances are good that you’ll be able to experience some of the rush.
The Hub Winter 2014 • 43
Photo courtesy of
Bahamas.com
Photo by Steve Beger
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