By: The Lighthouse
What is your favourite memory of Junkanoo? Is it the sweet sound of the trumpet as it brings the melodies of songs close to your heart? Is it the eye-catching costumes that light up the night? Or is it the jam-packed stands rocking as your favourite group arrives at your section? Whatever it is, I bet that memory is on Bay Street. Bay Street is synonymous with Junkanoo, so the discussion about moving the parade from Bay Street is an interesting one.
Firstly, why would we move it? The main reason brought up is the lack of space on Bay Street. Every year, there is a constant rush for Junkanoo tickets as people fight to get the best seats in the house. This is a good thing as we want Bahamians to enjoy and celebrate our culture. However, when about 1/3 of the best seats are reserved for sponsors and the other seats are sold in the first five minutes, it leaves Junkanoo fans a bit frustrated.
So, where would we put it? The Thomas A. Robinson Stadium is an idea. In fact, it was suggested by Mario Bowleg, the Minister of Youth, Sports and Culture. It has enough seats to hold the estimated 4,000 needed to comfortably meet the current demand for tickets, parking may be less of an issue, and we may be able to see more of the groups for a longer period of time, depending on how the route is set up.
I have to admit, if you look at it from the seats’ perspective, it makes sense to move it. However, it just wouldn’t feel…“junkanooie.”
What is Junkanoo without Rawson Square? What is Junkanoo without Shirley Street? What is Junkanoo without the cool breeze blowing from the ocean, forcing people to pull out their winter coats. What would we do with phrases such as “Back on Bay” and “Road to Bay?” Would they now be “Road to Thomas A? I don’t know, it just wouldn’t feel the same.
For this generation, Junkanoo is attached to Bay Street. However, it doesn’t have to stay that way. Logistically speaking, moving the parade may be a good idea. However, no location can recreate the memories that were made on Bay Street.
