How Do Residents Feel About the New Date for Grand Bahama Junkanoo?

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GRAND BAHAMA, BAHAMAS – This year on Grand Bahama, two Junkanoo parades are set to take place.

The senior Junkanoo parade, titled “Pineyard Rush,” will be held in Freeport on January 9th 2025. Meanwhile, a separate parade called “the People’s Rush” will occur in West End on January 1st, 2025.

Additionally, the route for the Freeport Parade will change from Pioneers Way to Explorers Way.

Culture Minister Mario Bowleg said the new date for the senior parade aims to attract both domestic and international visitors to the island.

However, opinions among Grand Bahama residents are mixed regarding the date change. Several Freeport residents had no concerns about the adjustment.

However, former Chairman of the Grand Bahama Junkanoo Corporation and member of Swingers Junkanoo Group Mark Gardiner had an opposing view about the new date.

He said to move a New Year’s Day Parade to any other day other than New Year’s outside of the reasons of the death of national hero or inclement weather is “simply ludicrous”.

The former chairman also questioned the rationale behind the decision as he believes the reasons provided are insufficient.

Grand Bahama residents Maxwell Campbell and Omar Isaacs share similar sentiments on the parade changes. One said they simply need to leave Junkanoo alone because of tradition.