“I still vividly remember the energy and rhythm that pervaded me. It was so exciting to see all the people in costumes, dancing, drumming, making music and shaking their cowbells.

If I had to pick one single thing that I like best about Junkanoo, I'd say the cowbells,” exclaimed Alessandro Sarno, dubbed The Lonesome Photographer.

On Tuesday, December 12, Sarno will officially launch his book, Junkanoo - The Spirit of a People, at John Watlings Distillery. The book is a collection of original photographs that Sarno captured during the 2015 and 2016 Junkanoo parades in Nassau.

A native Italian, who has fallen in love with The Bahamas since his first visit in 2008, explained, “In putting together this coffee table book, I do not pretend to be an expert on Junkanoo or its history.

This book is my humble salute to the artistry and vibrant energy of the Bahamian people as experienced during these parades.

It is my hope that more of my fellow Italians, as well as international visitors around the world, will see these images and be encouraged to come visit The Bahamas to delight in this very special aspect of Bahamian culture.”

The book is being launched in partnership with The Ministry of Youth, Sports and Culture and will feature a Junkanoo rush out and rake and scrape band.

The photographer promises a fusion of Junkanoo, Jazz and Rake and Scrape and will also have music by the legendary Chippie Chipman and jazz by Neil Symonette and Friends.

In addition to the photographs, the book features quotes from Bahamian friends, acquaintances, and people I briefly met along the way.

I asked them two simple questions: “What does Junkanoo mean to you?” and, “Do you have any favourite memory of Junkanoo?” According to Sarno, the answers hold a variety of perspectives as well as shared moments of enthusiasm and personal connection to this unique cultural celebration.

For more information on Alessandro Sarno and his work, please visit www.thelonesomephotographer.com