Honoring Culture and Creativity with Disney Junior Junkanoo
Disney Cruise Line is continuing its investment in Bahamian culture and youth with expanded support of Junior Junkanoo, the vibrant cultural festival that showcases music, dance, and handcrafted costumes from students across The Bahamas.
This year, Disney Cruise Line was not only the primary sponsor of Junior Junkanoo in Eleuthera—home to Disney Lookout Cay at Lighthouse Point—but also served as the title sponsor for the return of Junior Junkanoo in Abaco, where Disney Castaway Cay is located. This expansion reinforces Disney’s deepening commitment to Bahamian communities and cultural preservation.
What Is Junior Junkanoo?
Junkanoo is one of The Bahamas’ most iconic cultural traditions, celebrated with bold colors, rhythmic goombay drums, and joyful parades. Junior Junkanoo is a youth-focused version, engaging students to learn about this tradition while building costumes, choreographing dances, and preparing musical performances with materials like cardboard and crepe paper.
“Like most of our Bahamian cast members, I grew up enjoying the sights and sounds of Junkanoo,” said Joey Gaskins, Disney Cruise Line’s regional public affairs director. “It’s an honor to support this tradition and empower young people to celebrate their creativity and heritage.”
Spotlight on Eleuthera: Disney Lookout Cay Joins the Celebration
Disney has supported Junior Junkanoo in Eleuthera since 2022, funding costume materials, parade floats, and travel expenses for winning schools. This year, students took to Queen’s Highway in Governor’s Harbour, bringing the streets to life with music and community celebration. For the first time, cast members from Disney Lookout Cay at Lighthouse Point joined the festivities, creating deeper connections between Disney and local culture.
Past years included virtual workshops led by Disney entertainment teams and even mentorship opportunities with renowned Bahamian fashion designer Theodore Elyett, who collaborated with students on costume design. Elyett also designed the Bahamian-inspired outfits worn by Mickey and Minnie Mouse at Lookout Cay.
Return to Abaco: Junior Junkanoo Love Rush Parade
In Abaco, Disney Cruise Line sponsored the Love Rush Junior Junkanoo, funding costumes, transportation, and prizes. “Seeing the children of Abaco come together to celebrate our culture was very special,” said Candi Stubbs-Dawkins of The Bahamas Ministry of Youth, Sports, and Culture. “We are grateful for Disney’s commitment.”
More Than Just a Parade: Investing in Bahamian Youth
Junior Junkanoo is one of many Disney Cruise Line initiatives benefiting Bahamian youth. Others include:
- Donating critical school supplies and books
- Supporting Junior Achievement Bahamas for career exploration
- Partnering with love.futbol to build community play spaces
- Creating backyard gardens at local schools and children’s homes
- Sponsoring the University of The Bahamas Leading Light Programme for hospitality training
- Offering LJM Maritime Academy scholarships and onboard student experiences
- Collaborating with the Bahamas Feeding Network for family meal kits
- Donating toys and hosting holiday visits from Mickey Mouse
Disney’s Lasting Commitment to The Bahamas
For over 25 years, Disney has introduced families to the beauty and culture of The Bahamas through its cruise operations. With six ships registered in The Bahamas and approximately 70% of itineraries stopping there, Disney Cruise Line contributes more than $70 million annually to the country’s gross domestic product.
for more details visit the Disney Cruise Line Crew and Community Facebook Page.
