Bahamas Junkanoo Carnival is fast approaching and this year’s event promises to be even better than the first, with more opportunities to amp up the music, soak up the culture and turn up the vibes.

All 23 registered companies showcased their Junkanoo Carnival costumes at a preliminary launch event held on New Providence earlier this month. The exhibition, which took place on the Western Esplanade, was an opportunity for the public to sample the music, the culture and the vibes that define Bahamas Junkanoo Carnival. Registered ‘Road Fever’ companies had exhibition booths to display their 2016 costumes and take orders from persons interested in participating in the street party on Saturday, May 6. They also participated in a prejudging for the best application of indigenous material.

Entertainment included live music from top Bahamian bands, including Sky Juice Band, Visage, and Ira Storr and the Spank Band–a precursor to the entertainment lineup for the Music Masters Mega Concert on Friday, May 6. Last year’s event hosted 50,000 patrons who enjoyed a party of epic proportions.

When Bahamas Junkanoo Carnival comes to Nassau from May 5-7, it will take over ‘Da Cultural Village’, the epicenter of cultural activity. Free admittance will be allowed inside Da Village during the day, before 5pm. Throughout the day there will be live cultural demonstrations and interactive exhibits to entertain patrons. Junkamania, the concert of Junkanoo orchestras, will take place once again on Thursday night. There will be delicious Bahamian food on sale and opportunities to purchase Bahamian handicraft and goods.

Carnival Kick Off takes place at Taino Beach in Grand Bahama from April 15-16. The Music Masters Semifinal Competition is the signature event at the Grand Bahama Carnival Kick Off. Aspiring Bahamian musicians will perform the top 20 songs in the competition for a chance to secure a spot on the mega stage in Nassau and win the $20,000 grand prize. The music for the competition is currently being produced by Julien Believe while the artists are engaged in artist development programmes as part of their boot camp.

In every aspect of the event, Bahamas Junkanoo Carnival promises great music, culture and vibes.