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These costumes take the better part of the year to construct, made from finely cut strips of crepe paper, fringed and pasted onto cardboard shapes. Feathers and sparkling baubles are added, although points are deducted for having too many, and fabrics are definitely not allowed. The competition is intense, groups of 300 or more turn out to "rush" down Bay Street starting at midnight Boxing Day and New Years day. It is a tradition that dates back to the days of slavery, when slaves had no free time other than at night. It has evolved from African culture, and the beautiful costumed dancers are accompanied by dozens of musicians shaking cowbells, playing trumpets, trombones and tubas, and usually backed up by about 30 or 40 drummers pounding drums made from 55gall drums with goatskin stretched over them. The sounds and rhythms are hypnotic, and with the colour and dancing it is a spectacle not to be missed if you are ever in the Bahamas over Christmas.
Thanks again Maureen!
