fp Turks and Caicos

Thousands turned out to dance the night away in the streets and on the beaches of Grace Bay for 2010’s Maskanoo.

A blending of the traditional Christmas masquerade celebrations with elements of Bahamian’s Junkanoo, Maskanoo was born in the Turks and Caicos Islands, and judging this year’s success, it will be celebrated for many years to come.

They came from all walks of life to enjoy the fun and festive atmosphere along the main tourist stretch of Grace Bay Road.

Thousands of adults, children, tourists and residents walked, danced and partied in the streets during the first ever Maskanoo.
Presented by the Turks and Caicos Hotel and Tourism Association in conjunction with the Cultural and Arts Commission, Maskanoo was held on Monday, Dec. 27, in the tourist capital of Grace Bay.

Starting at 5 p.m., people began to stroll up and down the streets, mingling and trying the local fare.

Grace Bay Road was lined with vendors selling local food, beverages, arts and crafts, creating a carnival like atmosphere along the tourist strip.

Sounds filled the air, from traditional ripsaw music played by none other than the Island Boys. A fabulous concert was also held by Turks and Caicos’ own song bird Barbara Johnson.

After the sun set over Grace Bay Beach, the night hit high gear. A vivid street parade, lead by Cultural Director David Bowen, thumped, jumped and whistled along Grace Bay Road.

Dozens of local musicians and dancers dressed in vividly coloured costumes, headdresses and masks where followed by hundreds of dancing party participants.

The night’s festivities were captured in lights with a miraculous display of fireworks over the beach at midnight. That is when the after party got started and went on through the night.

“I am still amazed and was very much impressed with the level of support and participation that we were able to attract for Maskanoo,” said Director of the Cultural and Arts Commission David Bowen.

The 2010 Maskanoo was a fun, safe and celebrated local holiday, which organizers say will be celebrated each year on Boxing Day.

“We are excited and ready for Maskanoo 2011 and are already putting things into place in order to have a much larger showcase of our Cultural Heritage,” added Bowen.

Official sponsors and supporters of Maskanoo 2010 included Royal Jewels, Islandcom, FirstCaribbean International Bank, International Banking Group, Bornewell Marketing Ltd., KBC Productions – 92.5 FM and 102,5 KISS FM, Tropical Imaging, Sky Juice – Got U Covered, Dove’s Security, Bangers & Crash Fireworks, Caribbean Cruisin, PPC Ltd., DJ Cliff and Radio Turks and Caicos.