Christmas in Nassau and Junkanoo

Before Christmas, we did manage to put up a Christmas tree and lights; however, being 80+ degrees and away from family doesn’t make it feel much like Christmas.  We had Christmas dinner with our friends on s/v Sanctuary, David and Pat.  Max and Tracey on m/v SandiBeach, hosted the dinner on their 43’ Lagoon Catamaran.  We made the stuffing, au gratin potatoes and deviled eggs while David and Pat provided a turkey and Max and Tracey provided a turkey as well.  It was great fun and, of course, rum and eggnog were a pouring.

Our Little Christmas Tree

After Christmas dinner, we took an afternoon nap followed by the local custom of Junkanoo.  Nassau hosts the largest of the Junkanoo parades, a Carnival type parade and party that lasts all night long.  It is the biggest event of the year here on the islands.  Apparently, all the mega yachts had come in for the big party in Nassau.  We survived so we can now provide the pictures to prove it.

Royal Celebration of the Grand Jubilee

Queen of the Court

Marching Band

The Royal Visit Float

The Royal Guard

Her Majesty's Float

The Sounds of Junkanoo

Silver Jubilee Float

Protesters

Pretty in Pink

Kalik - The Beer of the Bahamas

Seafood Delight

Granny's Night Out
(GiGi, this one's for you!)

Hurricane's a coming!

Hurricane Video

The Fury of Mother Nature!

Exotic Dancer

4:30 a.m....

And the party is still going strong

 

More Sounds of Junkanoo

A Spectacular Float!!!  All the designs are done in Terry Cloth and Sequins
(Pictures could not do this float justice)

Five Hours into the Parade

A Glimpse at Some of the 5:00 a.m. Crowd

Street Dancers

We thought it started at midnight and would run for a few hours.  Next thing we knew it was 5:00 am and the party was still going strong.  At 7:00 am, we were partied out and headed back to the boat with our heads ringing from all the music and on overload from all the sights.  After a nap, we awoke to find the party was still going strong.  It was 11:00 am.  Wow, these people know how to party!  What a great time we had, but we knew we would be moving onto the next stop soon so we rested up and prepared to sail from Nassau across the Yellow Banks to Allens Cay.