Junkanoo Expo Museum

On December 26 and January 1 the streets of Nassau erupt with bursts of color, festive masks and lively music during Junkanoo—an island festival similar to Mardi Gras and Carnival. Originally created to celebrate the temporary freedom granted to slaves in the three days following Christmas, Junkanoo has now become a beloved part of the nation’s holiday celebrations and cultural traditions.

The Junkanoo Expo Museum, located in an old customs warehouse on the wharf, offers visitors who can’t make the trip during the holiday season a chance to still experience the wonder. The vibrant museum houses a vast collection of intricate costumes, richly-detailed parade floats and other memorabilia from throughout Junkanoo’s history, giving visitors a taste of the celebration any time of year.