3. Richard Wenbang Zhu: Recommendations

Junkanoo is not only a celebration of native Bahamian but a showcase of art and lifestyle of Caribbean. From the perspective of a spectator who has already thoroughly experienced this event, I would recommend this festival to as many people as I can. I am an international students studying in USA, therefore I want to give some advices or recommendations towards international tourists from my point of view.

Pre-visit ticket purchasing is a part that Junkanoo organizers are working on to improve customer experience by building a more user-friendly official website towards tourists especially international tourists. Even though there are no so many channels to purchase tickets before you arrive at Nassau, you can find tickets available at the box office before the event starts. To better involve yourselves into this event, international tourists may want to know a little about the history of Junkanoo and its related performance features. Additionally, before international tourists witness this grand festival, give a shot to cowbells and goatskin drums may be a good idea and these instruments are available right at the Straw Market on the Bay Street.

The map of Bay Street or even the map of Nassau would be a great help when you were at the scene of Junkanoo. I believe almost every international tourist who has not yet attend similar festivals would be shocked by the vibrant color of costumes and powerful live music displayed at Bay Street. In addition, due to its intensive performance period feature, international tourists who want to witness the entire festival may want to get prepared physically before the event. Junkanoo starts at around 2 am and the overnight experience would be a challenge for those international tourists who have no physically preparation, such as sufficient sleep the day before. And of course do not forget to bring you camera or cell phone and record this unforgettable ceremony at the capital of The Bahamas Islands.