2010 VOYAGES UPDATES

UPDATE#05 02/20 JUNKANOO SPECIAL

Howdy Everybody,

The adventures of 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, and thru 02/20/2010 (DAYTIME) have been published on the website. We continue with the latest edition featuring the 2010 JUNKANOO event.

UPDATE 2010 #05 02/20/10 JUNKANOO SPECIAL EDITION

At last update, we were in Boat Harbour in beautiful Marsh Harbour, Abacos. Welcome to the Junkanoo 2010 …

02/20/10 SATURDAY MARSH HARBOUR, ABACOS, BAHAMAS

JUNKANOO has long been one of my favorite events in the Bahamas. Unfortunately, I was not feeling very well and decided it would be best for me to forego this wonderful event this evening. Judy joined a group of dock neighbors to brave the chilly weather and experience the entire splendor firsthand. I think she has done an excellent job of capturing the essence for this photo journal. I firmly believe that you will enjoy it too. Thanks, Judy, for bringing it back to me.

The name "Junkanoo" probably originated from an African slave master and trader named, "John Canoe" in the 17th century. The uniquely Bahamian celebration was traditionally held on Boxing Day (Dec 26) and on New Years Day. Here in Abacos, the main competative event occurs in late February. Dedicated groups work all year on their individual themes and elaborate costuming. The celebration has evolved into a major event for Marsh Harbour.

Large groups from Spring City, Treasure Cay, Hopetown, and Green Turtle Cay represent the Abacos. Each parade passage is called a “rush”. Drums made from tightly stretched animal skins are made here in the islands of the Bahamas. To attain the desired degree of tautness, the percussionists heat the skins by an open fire before the “rush”.

At the assembly point, the decorative costumes await the performers prior to the “rush”.

Each year, the competition escalates and the groups respond aggressively for the top honors.

Each year, the costumes are completely different. Last year, this gal was stunningly dressed with flags and symbols representative of Canada. This year, her outfit is even more spectacular. I you would like to compare the events of other years, you can refer to the AMARSE Update sections for those years.

It is amazing to see the changes in the participants too. This young gal has grown up significantly in the past few years.

It becomes obvious from this picture that it was quite cool for the spectators. There perseverance was well rewarded by the magnificence of this year’s event.

For each “rush”, the theme float usually leads the procession. This year, the complexity and artistic input yielded spectacular results.

Since Judy’s photographs represent the essence of this year’s parade so well, I will not comment too much and allow you more time to just enjoy the colorful, active nature of her photojournalism.

Once again, I want to thank Judy for the excellent series of photographs of the Junkanoo rushes. She braved the cold, along with several others, to bring us this review. Of course, I wish I could have been there too. We know that many were unable to attend or opted to leave earlier for one reason or another. Judy persevered until about 1am before making the long walk home to the marina. Thanks, thanks, thanks…!!!

CONTINUING UPDATES ARE IN PROGRESS…

WATCH FOR THEM, COMING SOON…

POST SCRIPT:

We sincerely hope that you will review the previous years of compilations to give context to the current editions. Please let us know if you have any special suggestions and thoughts.

REMEMBER: The website is now fully active and you can visit it at any time. You can also review any of the previous logs from the years 2006, 2007, or 2008 and learn more about the crew and their many adventures. Enjoy.

ATTENTION: SPECIAL NOTE:

You may contact us via email anytime.

Thanks for allowing us to share our life and adventures with you.

Lotsa Luv,

Fred Reed and Judy Law

AMARSE

MT40

"AMARSE" is pronounced "AM-ARE-SAY".

Our website is: www.amarse.net