Taking Junkanoo Back to Africa

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NASSAU, BAHAMAS – Junkanoo is now connecting The Bahamas to Africa. Our TV’s broadcast of the cultural event will be shown this Boxing Day in Ahanta, Ghana.

We spoke to several officials from the african country who are excited for the partnership.

They say the move is significant.

Researchers have traced the origin of Junkanoo back to Ahanta, Ghana.

More specifically, John Canoe who we’ve all been taught was who Junkanoo was named after was traced back to what is known today as Princess Town in Ahanataland, Ghana.

Native history books revealed Canoe was never a slave and was not a slave trader. It revealed he fought vigorously against the Trans-Atlantic slave trade and was the catalyst of several military actions in the defiance of slave trading since at least 1712.

In Ahanta they have similar celebration. Ahanta’s western regional minister shares the similarities between the two parades.

And this is just the beginning. Officials say they see this growing as a part of restoration.

As we head into another Junkanoo season the technical advisor is advising everyone to get involved in the cultural expression, adding that they are looking to expand.