For two straight years I jukked, I wined, I chipped down the road; dressed from head to toe in bright colors, feathers, glitter, fishnet stockings, and an intricately designed bikini that bared my mid riff and butt and…

I had fun!!! 

I let go of any inhibitions I had. I danced, I met new people, reconnected with old ones, participated in an event that’s the cultural bedrock of many other Caribbean countries, but I felt so Bahamian! You see, I don’t need to shut the door on other cultures and practices in order to appreciate my own. [bctt tweet=”I don’t believe in not welcoming some else’s way of living for fear that my own will be threatened” username=”iamianthia”] I’m not “pro everything Bahamian” the minute a foreign element is introduced, but keep my lips sealed and can’t ever be found supporting anything Bahamian on a regular day. Carnival is not junkanoo. Junkanoo is not carnival and the comparisons make no sense whatsoever. I wont get into the politics, economics and “seriousness” of it but I would say that, as a Bahamian woman who did participate, nothing that I wore or did, how I danced or had fun was degrading, nasty or “whore-like.” I’ve seen the most ridiculous comments over the past few days, but I really think if some of us were so strong in our belief of Bahamian culture, knew that no matter who or what came to our shores that we’re not going anywhere…we’d never quiver in the presence of any foreign element.

I’m Bahamian or nuttin’…even while I wear a carnival costume!

The 2nd annual Bahamas Junaknoo Carnival happened and I enjoyed every bit of it!

Day 1

The kick off was insane! While broadcasting the festivities live throughout the Caribbean, I managed to slip in some dancing, jumping and waving! Genesis Thursday was indeed the beginning of an amazing weekend. Working with The BTC TV Show, I was able to take all the fun from The Bahamas Junkanoo Carnival live to the region! Interviews with Farmer Nappy, Voice and Fadda Fox made for great TV and great shoutouts! I was too busy, working and with a dead phone battery I couldn’t take much pics, but boy did I enjoy!!!!

Day 2

Wyclef Jean. Destra. The Music Masters finale. These three events made for an amazing Friday night. Listening to some of my favorite oldies from Haitian-born music genius Wyclef Jean who took me back to my college and high school days with his dance worthy hits (and yes I danced!) to Destra who had me calling myself Lucy the entire night and of course the new Bahamian hit songs that emerged from the competition but will surely stay around for years to come! At one point Destra did her rendition of Rihanna’s “Work” and I lost it!!!! SEE VIDEO BELOW!

Day 3

ROAD FEVER!!!!! The one day I was looking forward to the entire week! I had so much fun!!!!! I love to dance and dress up in crazy costumes, hit the streets and just let go. That’s why I was so excited to hit the streets with Enigma. I met so many people, reunited with so many I’ve lost touch with and got a 9-hour workout! The gym wont be seeing me for a while! But I must say, who ever had the brilliant idea to extend the route, please sir/ma’am I beg of thee, shorten it back! That route was indeed too long and sucked some of the fun out of the walk but…not enough to dampen my vibes!

[nggallery id=32]

TO CHECK OUT ALL THE FUN I HAD AT LAST YEAR’S BAHAMAS JUNKANOO CARNIVAL! CLICK HERE!