Maskanoo

Maskanoo is the Turks and Caicos version of the junkanoo tradition that runs across the Bahamas and the wider region, held on Boxing Day and named from a blend of masquerade and junkanoo. It fills the Grace Bay road with costumed groups, cowbells, whistles, goatskin drums and rake and scrape bands, along with food stalls, craft and a stage. It is a comparatively recent formalisation of an older tradition that had faded, and it now functions as the main annual street event on Providenciales. Smaller junkanoo parades run on other islands at Christmas and New Year.

What you actually see

• The costumed groups - crepe paper and cardboard junkanoo costumes.
• Rake and scrape - saw, accordion and goatskin drum bands.
• The Grace Bay parade - the main road closed for the day.
• The food and craft stalls - along the route.

When to go

The twenty-sixth of December, in the afternoon and evening. The Grace Bay road closes. Accommodation over Christmas and New Year on Providenciales is at peak rates and books far ahead.

Honest expectations

It is one afternoon a year and there is nothing to see otherwise. Grace Bay over Christmas is the most expensive week of the year. The event is modest compared with Bahamian junkanoo and is partly aimed at visitors. Programme details are published locally and late.

Nearby

Grace Bay is the venue; junkanoo parades run on the other islands too.