Nassau is famous for the annual Junkanoo parade held on New Year's Day.
Junkanoo is a Bahamian street festival featuring elaborate costumes, rhythmic music, dancing, and competitive parade groups. Nassau's main procession traditionally begins in the early hours of January 1, after New Year's Eve celebrations, and continues through the morning along Bay Street.
The festival's origins are connected to communities of African descent in The Bahamas. Its history is often associated with the period of slavery and with Christmas-season holidays when enslaved people were allowed limited time away from plantations. The exact origin of the name remains debated.
Modern Junkanoo groups compete in categories including music, costume, and overall presentation. Although Nassau hosts the best-known event, Junkanoo is celebrated on other Bahamian islands as well, including Grand Bahama and the Abacos.