We were absolutely delighted to experience this colorful very inclusive annual community celebration of Junkanoo. Green Turtle Cay is unique among the islands. There is so much love and acceptance and sharing among the locals and the visitors, or the “been heres” and the “come heres” as we say in Charleston.
The entire population of the island, along with many who had come over by ferry, had gathered down in New Plymouth to enjoy the parade. We had planned to walk the 3 miles from Green Turtle Club but, as is the island way, we didn’t get far before someone in a golf cart stopped to give us a lift into town.
Justin one of the outstanding dock masters from GT club looking festive for the occasion! As we got close to town, we could hear the live music of The Gully Rooster band playing to the crowd that had gathered while the parade participants organized themselves for the event.
A few of the cruisers we had the pleasure of meeting since arriving on Green Turtle
The Gully Rooster Band
“Number one band in the nation”
Look who we ran into! Sweet Debbie!
Brian from Sundowners bar, selling shakers to raise money for the local school.
We had come through Nassau on our way back to Green Turtle after our trip home for Christmas. Nassau hosts a huge Junkanoo celebration that goes on all night long on New Years Eve. They have tens of thousands of people cramming into the streets. During our brief overnight stay, we saw scaffolding and fences that had been set up to control the anticipated traffic and crowds. We were all too happy we would miss that chaos and hurried on our way to make it back to the sweeter, more manageable , but no less exciting version of the celebration, right here on Green Turtle.
We recognized so many faces we’ve come to know, that felt like it was a homecoming for us. It’s impossible to recreate the energy, and excitement of the day but hopefully these pictures and videos will give you the general idea.
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- Green Turtle Cay Junkanoo 2015
This New Year’s day celebration was certainly a break from our normal traditions, and we were delighted to share the cultural excitement of the Bahamas.
We have heard several explanations as to what the parade means or symbolizes one version is that the parade is meant to “Drive the devil out of the town”. The parade route circumnavigates the entire New Plymouth settlement, and the music and dancing goes on for over two hours until the entire entourage completes the loop back into the community basketball court. At that time, the announcer calls all of the children to gather around for a special “surprise”, and right then a horrible monster, or devil leaps out of hiding and begins to chase the children around. Of course the older children think it is exciting and fun, the younger ones are scared to death and cling to their parents. The only way to get rid of the “devil” is to give money, which will then be used to support the local schools. What a great idea!
This is the devil. Pretty scary isn’t he!
A couple of the beautiful terrified children clinging to mom!
Dad will protect you from the devilman!
southerntrawl 
Robin you are whetting my appetite big time with all your wonderful stories. Junkanoo looks like a festival of color and joy!
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Thanks, and sorry about all of the typos in the original posting. Our wifi is a little sketchy sometimes, and though we proof read and make corrections,over and over, sometimes the corrections don’t stick before it goes live. I just noticed a few more that are still there after the latest revision, but at some point, it’s just time to put the iPad down and go get in the dinghy. We are very much looking forward to having you onboard. There are so many wonderful little islands in the area. We may have moved south of “The Whale” passage and will be discovering other island below Green Turtle at that time. Of course Marsh Harbor, will be having their own version of Junkanoo “Love Rush”, as they call it, while you are here. So much discovery to look forward to! See you soon!
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The coldest air this winter will affect Southeast South Carolina and Southeast Georgia Wednesday Night into Friday. Bitterly cold wind chills are expected Wednesday Night into Thursday Morning with values dropping into the 5-15 degree range. Wind Chill Advisories are likely. Exposed outdoor pipes are likely to freeze Thursday morning. Now is the time prepare for this outbreak of cold weather. …………Can I come aboard???
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Great! great! Thanks for keeping us posted. Keep it coming & good weather.
Don & Enid
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Hi Don
Hugs to you and Happy New Year to you and the whole family. It’s certainly a big adventure so far. Thanks for keeping up with us. Hope all are well. We’ll look forward to catching up properly when we get off the boat !
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Wow, what a beautiful colorful place! thanks for the update looks like fun!!!
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Is is that! Crazy fun day but a little too much rum!
Sent from my iPhone
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