JUNKANOO WORLD MUSEUM & ARTS CENTRE

Feel the Beat. Live the Culture.

Nassau's most authentic Junkanoo experience — costumes, drums, history, and soul. All under one roof.

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Junkanoo isn't just a festival. It's the heartbeat of the Bahamas.

Born from resilience, built from wood and goatskin, and alive in every beat of the drum.

At Junkanoo World, Barabas Woodside opens the doors to a tradition 300 years in the making.

Where Our Story Begins:

Junkanoo is one of the oldest and most powerful cultural traditions in the Caribbean. Born from the resilience of enslaved Africans in the 18th century, it evolved from secret midnight celebrations into the Bahamas' most iconic national festival — a thundering parade of hand-crafted costumes, goatskin drums, cowbells, and horns that shakes Bay Street every Boxing Day.

In 2023, UNESCO officially recognized Junkanoo as an Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity.

Learn About Junkaoo

Museum Tour 🥁

Guided Museum Tour Walk through Nassau's most vibrant collection of Junkanoo costumes, photos, and parade history. Let Barabas take you back to Bay Street at midnight.

Drum-Making Class 🪘

Build Your Own Drum Stretch calfskin over a handcrafted frame and leave Nassau with something you made with your own hands — and a rhythm you'll never forget.

Costume Workshop 🎭

Costume Workshop Get hands-on with the art of Junkanoo costuming. From cardboard to crown — learn the craft that defines Bahamian identity.

Live Performance 🎶

Live Junkanoo Performance Cowbells, goatskin drums, and horns — live. Barabas and his crew bring the parade to you. No cruise ship excursion offers this.

Open Air Patio 🌴

Cold drinks, warm vibes, and the sounds of Nassau. Stick around after your experience and soak it all in.

Plant Your Visit

Gift Shop 🛍️

Handcrafted souvenirs, local artisan goods, and Junkanoo keepsakes. Take a piece of Bahamian culture home with you.

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Mr. Barabbas Woodside

Founder, Junkanoo World Museum & Arts Centre As featured by the Bahamas Ministry of Tourism

Barabas Woodside didn't build Junkanoo World from a business plan. He built it from a lifetime of drumming, crafting, and carrying a culture on his back.

What started as a passion for preserving Bahamian heritage has grown into Nassau's most immersive cultural destination — a two-story centre filled with historic costumes, handcrafted instruments, mosaic art, and the living, breathing sound of Junkanoo.

This is not a museum you walk through quietly. This is a place you feel.

"I'm not just teaching Junkanoo. I'm keeping it alive."

Learn About Us: Barabas And The Tribe

Kind Words About Our Work

We went here as part of a tour. We learned about the history of Junkanoo, and got a chance to play drums and cowbells and be part of a mini parade. My husband and i thoroughly enjoyed it!

Lisa Parson

We absolutely loved Junkanoo World! We learned so much about Junkanoo, the costumes and how they are made, as well as how to play the drums. Although this is a small museum, it is full of rich history and amazing people.

Legendary Quentin Woodside and his family were so very wonderful and accomodating. We tried on Junkanoo headresses and costumes! I love everything about Junkanoo and now I love it even more! One of the best experiences we have had in the Bahamas! Thank you Junkanoo World!

Nicole F.

Such a wonderful place to go and learn about the history and culture of Junkanoo! The individuals who run this place are very friendly and dedicated to preserving the history. This is a good place to visit if you are on vacation to get a taste of Bahamian culture!