It took me seven years before I went to a Junkanoo Parade. I have loved The Bahamas for many years, since the first time I visited in 2008. In fact, it’s the beauty of these islands which led me to buy my first camera and in the years to follow become a photographer.
I had heard about Junkanoo, but most of what I knew back then came from the James Bond Thunderball movie and some paintings I had seen around Nassau. I was drawn to wanting to experience Junkanoo, but the problem was it was happening in the middle of the night, and at night, I like to sleep! I finally made up my mind and ventured out to the 2015 Junkanoo Boxing Day Parade on Bay Street. I still vividly remember the energy and rhythm that pervaded me. It was so exciting to see all the people in costumes, dancing, drumming, making music, and shaking their cowbells. If I had to pick one single thing that I like best about Junkanoo, I'd say the cowbells!