Maskanoo

The We Funk band performing at Maskanoo.

Drums, whistles, and shakers are the sound of Maskanoo, a free street festival held each year in central Grace Bay on December 26 (Boxing Day). Maskanoo is one of the biggest events of the year in the Turks and Caicos Islands, drawing over 1,000 visitors and residents to the section of Grace Bay Road fronting Saltmills Plaza and Regent Village.

Beginning at dusk, spectators go there to see several bands perform Junkanoo, a parade and style of music that originated in the Bahamas. These bands parade and dance along the street in a wave of shimmering, free-flowing colorful costumes to the cacophony of their percussion and wind instruments.

The event features many vendors selling art, souvenirs, drinks, and food, as well as live music acts performing on a large stage throughout the night. Expect fireworks, too.

Parking can be very difficult, so you’ll want to arrive early or organize transportation ahead of time if you’re staying outside of the Grace Bay area.

History of Maskanoo

Maskanoo is a modern interpretation of regional traditions. It is largely influenced by the Bahamian Junkanoo—a costumed parade and percussive style of music—and some elements of an old Turks and Caicos tradition called ‘the Masses’ that dates back to at least 1811.

The Masses, or as it was sometimes called, massin’, of the Turks and Caicos Islands shared similarities with the masquerading traditions of other islands in the West Indies, such as Trinidad and Tobago, Barbados, and Grenada.

Early morning on Christmas Day—one of the only days they were given leave for the year—enslaved people, mostly men, sang and danced in the streets, playing tambourines and ripsaw (a local instrument) and wearing masks and costumes they made themselves. Massin’ evolved as a way for enslaved people in the Turks and Caicos Islands to hold onto their African roots and traditions during colonialism. This event took place primarily on the salt-producing islands, including Salt Cay, South Caicos, and Grand Turk, where most of the population lived at the time.

Above: Former Director of Culture David Bowen wearing an elaborate costume for Maskanoo.   Top right:  Top left:  In previous years, the festival has featured a fire breather.   Bottom right:  Top right:  Masqueraders typically make the costumes themselves.  

Maskanoo was created in 2009 as a modern take on the Masses and Junkanoo, the latter of which arrived in the islands when Turks and Caicos Islanders who had migrated to the Bahamas brought the tradition back home.

What Happens at Maskanoo

Maskanoo is the largest cultural event of the year.

Maskanoo begins around dusk. During the event, the section of Grace Bay Road from the Bella Luna access road to the western side of Saltmills Plaza becomes blocked off to vehicle traffic.

Most spectators don’t dress up for the occasion, but you may spot a few people wearing home-made masks and hats. Leading up to the arrival of the Junkanoo bands, live music performers from local bands and singers to steel drum bands perform onstage. Food and drink are available for purchase from many of the vendors who sell at the Providenciales Fish Fry, such as the Turk's Head Brewery and Castaways Conch Bar & Island Grill.

Junkanoo bands typically arrive at Maskanoo around 9:00 PM. These bands wear colorful costumes made from painted and decorated cardboard. Costumes have different themes each year, and can be quite ornate and detailed.

The number of Junkanoo bands participating in Maskanoo varies from year to year. You can expect to see well-known Junkanoo band We Funk, which performs at the festival annually and whose co-founder, Kitchener Penn, runs the Junkanoo Museum on Providenciales.

How to Attend and What to Bring

The early hours of the Maskanoo festival on Grace Bay Road.

Junkanoo music is incredibly loud—if you’re attending Maskanoo with small children or babies, consider bringing ear plugs or sound-reducing headphones for protection.

Note that most vendors at the festival prefer cash. How much you want to bring will depend on whether you plan to do some souvenir shopping during the event. Budget around $75 per person for a quick meal and two to three alcoholic drinks.

During Maskanoo, the restaurants in central Grace Bay book up extremely quickly—expect long waits for a table and slower-than-normal service.

Parking can be nearly impossible during this festival. If you’re staying outside of the Grace Bay area, consider hiring a taxi or private car for drop-off and pick-up.

Located in Grace Bay

Grace Bay is located on the central northern side of Providenciales, and is the center of tourism, upscale shopping, and dining in the Turks and Caicos. World-famous Grace Bay Beach borders this region, and many of the island’s resorts and hotels are located in the area.