The first beat of the goatskin drum makes a Bahamian stop where they are.  They just feel it -- the spirit of Junkanoo -- the excitement, the joy all break forth because it's what the people come out and experience.  When you add the sound of the cowbells to the drumbeat you get a pulsating sound that transcends all.  It takes away all the problems, all the stress any junkanooer feels.  Junkanooers just move into a different mood that is above all other things and makes them forget their problems for a while.  This is the feeling that comes over Bahamians when it comes to Junkanoo says avid Junkanooer Henry Higgins.

"Junkanoo is a celebration of freedom as it was originally a great opportunity that our enslaved ancestors had once a year around Christmas when they had two days off to express themselves and celebrate, so it is highly appropriate for us to now have the celebration be a part of our independence festivities.  It allows us to celebrate our freedom in a wonderful way."
Higgins will be among thousands of people rushing from Rawson Square to Arawak Cay in the wee hours of Monday morning in the People's Rush to celebrate 38 years of independence.

"When you hear the first beat of the goatskin drum as a Bahamian you stop where you are and just feel it. The spirit of Junkanoo -- the excitement ... the joy ... it all breaks forth and this is what we want people to come out and experience.  When you add the sound of the cowbells to the drumbeat you get a pulsating sound that transcends all.  It takes away all the problems, all the stress any Junkanooer feels.  You just move into a different mood that just is above all other things and makes you forget your own problems for a while."

Higgins, leader of the B-class Junkanoo group, Conquerors for Christ is ecstatic that Junkanoo is no longer just confined to being an event for the Christmas season and is now viewed as something appropriate for all national occasions.  Higgins who is also a pastor says it is important to him and other Junkanoo groups that Junkanoo has become important enough to be celebrated beyond the traditional season and is now a part of other national celebratory occasions such as independence and no longer just a festival or tourism opportunity, but something that now creates a greater sense of national belonging.

Under the theme "38 Years United in Love and Service" the People's Rush aims to recapture the spirit of the people.  The rush-out aims to unite all Bahamians.  "It's going to set the blood pulsing in jubilation," says Ann Higgins, an Independence Day celebrations committee member with the Ministry of Youth, Sports and Culture.  She anticipates that this rush will be one of the best yet as Junkanoo has always captured the spirit of the people and creates a feeling so freeing that it calms the heavy-hearted and embraces the troubled spirit.

"The People's Rush is not all that new to the Independence celebrations but since it was implemented the first time about five years ago it was definitely something that we knew had to stay.  Being able to celebrate Junkanoo outside of the expected period excites people.  It is colorful, festive and just embodies all that is Bahamian, so it is appropriate for it to be such a big part of our Independence celebrations."

Whenever junkanooers get the opportunity to rush they will show up, and it is expected that all groups will be represented.  Higgins says it will be amazing.  "This Junkanoo is for the people by the people.  Imagine not just watching the parade pass by in its loud, entrancing glory, but being able to join in the rush, dance the night away, shake a cowbell in unison and beat a drum alongside your favorite Junkanoo group members," said Higgins. "People enjoy being able to be a part of the action.  It's not about the costume, worrying about who will win or anything like that. It is about celebrating our heritage and rushing for our freedom.  It's about enjoying our culture like never before and not just being a spectator."

Junkanoo group members and Joe-blow public alike will be able to rush together from Rawson Square to Arawak Cay.  It's going to be a clashing of colors, blending of beats and just a great old time to be had by all.  The People's Rush is something you have to be there for -- to feel, to see, to experience.  So grab your sneakers, your favorite whistle and join the rush to celebrate  independence because the drums will start beating and the cowbells will start lickin' at 1 a.m. on Monday, July 11.

Can you feel the drum beat pulsing through your veins?  Can you hear the rhythm that forces your feet to dance?  And imagine the sweat that will glisten on your heated brow?  Can you taste the sweetness of excitement vibrating in the air?  These are the sensations that true-true Bahamians crave and if you are "jonesing" for the sweet "kalik, kalik" of the cowbells, the frenzied excitement of rushing, then you need to be at the People's Rush.  This spirit-ensnaring, foot tapping, ground-shaking event will be a celebration of freedom and the embracing of a rich cultural heritage unique to the annual Independence Day celebrations.
 
INDEPENDENCE ACTIVITIES
Friday, July 8
7 p.m. - Bahamas National Symphony Orchestra performance
College of The Bahamas  Performing Arts Center
Saturday, July 9
5 p.m. - 2011 Independence Float Parade
From: Queen Elizabeth Sports Center
Route: Along Thompson Boulevard to Nassau Street onto West Bay Street
To: Clifford Park
8 p.m. - Ecumenical Service, Cultural Show, Inspection, Flag Raising and Fireworks
Clifford Park
Sunday, July 10
Gershwin's Opera Gala Evening "Porgy & Bess"
Dundas Centre for the Performing Arts
Monday, July 11
1 a.m. - People's Rush Presentation
From Rawson Square to Arawak Cay
10 a.m. - Independence Softball Tournament
Southern Recreation Grounds

Click here to read more at The Nassau Guardian