The Bahamas are an archipelago of about 700 islands and 2,400 uninhabited islets and cays lying off the east coast of Florida. Only about 30 of the islands are inhabited; the most important is New Providence (80 sq mi; 207 sq km), on which the capital, Nassau, is situated. ENJOY!!

Languages: English, Creole (among Haitian immigrants)
Religions: Baptist, Anglican, Roman Catholic, Pentecostal
Status: Commonwealth of Nations. Elizabeth II is the head of the state as the Queen of the Bahamas

The note selected today is a 2007 issue $5 because of the JUNKANOO celebration of December 26 & January 2…. See explaination of Junkanoo below images. Printer by Thomas De la Rue Ltd. Watermark of Sir Cecil Wallace Whitefield, UV Coding and Security strip.

(Front) Sir Cecil Wallace Whitefield at right. Bahamas map at center. With gold foil ship at top left.

(Back) Bahamas Arms at bottom center, Junkanoo dancers at left.

Junkanoo is a national festival in The Bahamas, the only place where it holds such an honor. There is even a museum showcasing Junkanoo costumes, art and artifacts in downtown Nassau--a cultural highlight and must-see attraction for all visitors.

The origin of the word Junkanoo is obscure. The Scottish settlers' reference to the parades, meaning "junk enough;" or "John Canoe," the name of an African tribal chief who demanded the right to celebrate with his people even after being brought to the West Indies in slavery.
It is believed that this festival began during the 16th and 17th centuries. The slaves were given a special holiday at Christmas time, when they could leave the plantations to be with their family and celebrate the holidays with African dance, music and costumes. After emancipation, they continued this tradition and, today, Junkanoo has evolved from its simple origins to a formal, more organized parade with sophisticated, intricate costumes, themed music and incentive prizes.

Christmas celebrations in The Bahamas would not be complete without Junkanoo bands "rushing" in the streets. Venture down to Bay Street in Nassau during the early morning hours of Boxing Day (the day after Christmas) and New Year's Day and behold this cornucopia of color and sound. The darkness of the early morning adds to the bewitching atmosphere. Overhead streetlights highlight the hues of the costumes and banners intricately designed and patterned from minute strips of crepe paper of all colors glued to clothing, cardboard and wood.

MERRY CHRISTMAS !!