The July Junkanoo Summer Festival kicks off. (Photos: Ministry of Tourism)

A kaleidoscope of colors and sound took over Arawak Cay on Saturday during the official opening of the Ministry of Tourism's much-anticipated Junkanoo Summer Festival (JSF).

Residents and tourists gathered to watch the music competition between "A" Junkanoo groups -- Valley Boys, One Family, Saxon Superstars, Roots, Genesis and Prodigal Sons; and "B" Junkanoo groups -- Conquerors for Christ, Colours Entertainment, Original Congos, Fancy Dancers, Redland Soldiers and Body of Christ, which will all execute the theme "It's Better In The Bahamas" over the next few weeks.

The Junkanoo groups rushed through the large energetic crowd delivering the rhythmic sounds of cowbells, goatskin drums, brass instruments and whistles.

During the daytime events at the JSF village, visitors and residents participated in fun competitions like pineapple, watermelon, and corn eating, crab catching and conch cracking contests.

As the sun began to set, guests enjoyed a performance by the Obeah Man, fire dancers; beller and drummer competitions and an exciting Junkanoo water show with a group using jet skis.

Each week the Junkanoo groups will focus on different aspects of the cultural expression. The event runs from noon to midnight.

The schedule
Week Two (Saturday, July 9)
Time-Off: Due to independence celebrations.
Week Three - (Saturday, July 16)
Choreography/dance competition
Week Four (Saturday, July 23)
Costume/overall performance
Week Five - (Saturday, July 30) - Finale
Combo/award ceremony/ All Bahamian Concert

Click here to read more at The Nassau Guardian