in the Bahamas.. You may not find too many people shopping in the Bahamas. Instead, you may see them participating in one of the more lively Boxing Day traditions in the form of a festival — called Junkanoo — dating back to the 16th or 17th century. On December 26th, Bahamans celebrate with a large and colorful street parade, during which people wear magnificent costumes, masks, and headdresses, and dance, sing, and play music as they proceed through the streets. There’s even a Junkanoo museum in downtown Nassau (the capital of the Bahamas) where visitors can see costumes from past festivals.
Being near Canada, I have heard of Boxing Day, of course, but it has never been a tradition anywhere that I have lived. My employer is Canadian, but he is also Jewish, so I don't know that Boxing Day applies.
I don't have any Boxing day traditions, but usually we go somewhere visiting, but this year we're staying home...
My first exposure to Boxing Day was when i lived in Freeport. (Lucaya) To me, it was much more festive than any other holidays but no one could really explain what the event was truly about. It wasn’t until several years later when I was in Alaska that the history of the day was revealed to me and even then it was labeled as a possibility.
I wish a happy Boxing Day to all my United Kingdom friends on the Forum who observe this great tradition. Cheers, Hal
Hey...I want to wish all my UK friends a Happy Boxing Day! I'm glad to see this noble old Victorian tradition is still being observed! Hal
Strange Hal, but I was just telling my wife about the tradition. When I lived in Freeport, Gr. Bahama Island, the actual basics of the tradition itself wasn’t observed as much as it was another excuse to have a party. And may I say, they definitely know how to party!!
Please explain the origin of Boxing Day and how it is celebrate to the uninformed like me and most Americans. It's marked on my calendar but what's it all about?
Sure, Ed! Back in Victorian times, Wealthy folks and those of Royalty would gives surplus Food and Christmas presents to their Servants and to the Poor and Needy. They would pack these items in Boxes and distribute them, hence Boxing Day! The Internet gives a more detailed history of this holiday. Hal
Thank you Hal... it's a National Holiday here, and also the first day of the Sales these days... Huge queues waiting to get into the shops this morning according to the media... but not me!! They're welcome to it.
Hey Holly, When I visit England, I must be sure to pronounce the Thames River as "The Tems", and also to pronounce Lieutenant as "Leftenant"! (I don't want to sound like a ruddy Yank, you know.....) "Cabbie...take me to the Royal Albert Hall!" Cheerio, Harry
If you're ever over here Hal, you won't need to pay for a cab, we'll happily drive you... and yes it's pronounced the Tems.. and Leftenant you're correct...
my grandson sent this shot home when studying there this summer. Thought it might be the same building.