International Junkanoo Festival launched
Published:Monday | April 8, 2024 | 12:07 AMPaul H. Williams/Gleaner Writer
On Friday, April 5, The African Caribbean Institute of Jamaica/Jamaica Memory Bank (ACIJ/JMB) hosted a media launch of the International Junkanoo Festival of Tourism and Culture: Festival And Exhibition of Masquerade, Tourism and Culture.
The event was a preview of festivities in which Jamaica will participate in Ontario, Canada, from May 21 to 26, 2024.
“As custodians of Jamaica’s intangible cultural heritage, the ACIJ/JMB is thrilled to partner with the World Junkanoo Festival Foundation to spotlight the tradition of Junkanoo on an international stage. At its core, Junkanoo is a celebration of resilience, creativity, and community. Through this media launch, the ACIJ/JMB hopes to honour its legacy, while also exploring its far-reaching influence on global cultures,” the ACIJ/JMB said.
“The International Junkanoo Festival and Exhibition is a testament to the power of cultural exchange and unity. By displaying the diverse expressions of Junkanoo from around the globe, the festival aims to foster greater understanding and appreciation of this rich tradition. From elaborate masquerades to dynamic musical performances, attendees will indulge into a plethora of cultural treasures.”
In his welcoming remarks, Dr Kirt Henry, director of the ACIJ/JMB, said, among other things, “This event is particularly important as recent assessments have revealed that the cultural practice of Junkanoo, its traditions are declining, and are therefore in need of safeguarding. Along with efforts championed by the Ministry of Culture, Gender, Entertainment and Sport, we are confident that the hosting of this media launch, which is as a result of the collaborative effort between the ACIJ/JMB and the World Junkanoo Festival Foundation, will once again revive and deepen public interest in the history, importance and significance of Junkanoo in Jamaica.”
Joanne Archibald, director of culture, who represented Minister of Culture, Gender, Entertainment and Sport Olivia Grange, told the gathering, “It is by no means a coincidence that the launch of this festival is occurring in downtown Kingston, not only because of its vibrant mix of art and culture, or it being the cultural mecca of the Caribbean, but it was these streets that originally bore witness to the historical roots of countless Junkanoo band of masquerades.”
“Our presence here is a testament to the Government’s continued belief in the massive local and global appeal of Junkanoo. It is our hope that this media launch will once again shine spotlight on this traditional folk culture, demonstrating to all that Jonkunnu is back! We believe in safeguarding its longevity and we want everyone to participate, come and feel alive.”
The launch also featured a live performance from the East Kingston Junkanoo Band, and an audiovisual exhibition mounted by the ACIJ/JMB and the Jamaica Cultural Development Commission. One of the objectives was to create exclusive interactions between agencies, cultural experts, professionals, practitioners, researchers, and scholars; and an opportunity to provide further context regarding the international festival.
For inquiries, the public may contact the ACIJ/JMB at (876) 922-7415/4793 or info@acij-ioj.org.jm. The African Caribbean Institute of Jamaica/ Jamaica Memory Bank is a division of the Institute of Jamaica (IOJ), an agency of the Ministry of Culture, Gender, Entertainment, and Sport.
Located at 12 Ocean Boulevard, Kingston, the ACIJ/JMB is mandated to “research, document, and disseminate information on African heritage and its impact on Jamaican culture”. The division highlights the contribution of African cultural retentions to Jamaican heritage through exhibitions, public lectures, outreach activities, workshops and seminars.