Turks & Caicos Islands Holidays - Event

Goatskin drums, jangling cowbells and a cacophony of other percussion instruments drives enthusiastic dancing in the streets at the Turks and Caicos' annual Junkanoo Jump Up from midnight to sunrise on New Year's morning.

One of the islands' liveliest and most colourful celebrations, the parades feature fantastic handmade masks and costumes. There are also all-night services in churches as the new year is rung in with bells.

Junkanoo Jump Up is believed to have begun in the 16th century. The slaves were given a holiday at Christmas when they could leave the plantation and spend time with their families to celebrate with African dance, music and costumes. The name comes from Joh Canoe, a legendary West African chieftain.