The Bahamas hosts the annual New Year's Eve Junkanoo celebration in Nassau.
Junkanoo is a Bahamian festival featuring elaborate costumes, music, dancing, and competitive parades. The largest and best-known procession takes place in downtown Nassau during the early hours of January 1, after New Year's Eve has passed into New Year's Day.
The festival's history is connected to African and Caribbean cultural traditions, and its name and origins have been debated by historians. Participants perform in organized groups, with prizes awarded in categories such as music, costume, and overall presentation.
Junkanoo is not simply a fireworks show or a generic Caribbean carnival. Its distinctive identity comes from the parading groups, rhythmic cowbells and drums, colorful costumes, and competition. The Bahamas also holds a major Junkanoo parade on Boxing Day, December 26.