The Tribune

By JEFFARAH GIBSON and ALESHA CADET

Tribune Features

THE frenzied crowds witness the main show on Bay and Shirley Streets, but on Junkanoo morning, there is just as much as excitement, energy, and activity behind the scenes.

As each Junkanoo group waits to be shuffled from the marshalling areas on George Street and Elizabeth Avenue on to center stage, there is a great deal taking place.

The public rarely sees Junkanoo participants making their tar beds on the street or catching quick naps on the cold concrete of a parking lot in between laps. The miss the practice runs by choreographed dancers and group marshalls working frantically to staple costumes back together, as well as Junkanooers nursing their wounds and stuffing foam padding here, there and everywhere for increased comfort.

Muffled by the rumbling of the drums, the public rarely hears the idle yet entertaining chatter amongst groups members or the quarrels between groups, as to who looked the best, or who messed up the worse.

All of this goes down behind the scenes while attendees sit and wait for each Junkanoo group to cross the threshold. There is another show happening on the back streets of downtown.

"The life of a Junkanoo participant when it comes to the parade is really difficult. You cannot imagine what it is like trying to sleep in the streets," said Phillip of the Roots Junkanoo Group.

"When people are not sleeping they shaking their drums trying to warm up. I do not know how to describe it but there is a lot of stuff that goes on, on this side of the parade. With different people, in different groups in one place sometimes, it causes a little ruckus. But we try to have a good time on this side. Some Junkannoers like to get a little 'tune' before they rush to give them that extra energy and it releases some of the tension too.

"I take my liquid courage (alcohol) too and trust me I do not need much, I just need a tip on my tongue and I am ready to hit the streets," he said.

While this is a time for brushing up on routines for some before the show begins, for others it is time for getting acquainted with group members.

"There are so many people in our group and because each section practices at different times we do not usually get to see each other often, so during this time we sit down, talk and get acquainted with each other. It is really good because you do not want to be rushing beside a person and do not even know who they are," said Ashley of the One Love Association.

As for DeAngelo Rolle of the New Year's champion group, the Valley Boys, it is a time to rest and recuperate until its time to go again.

"We also take the time to sit and focus on what went well and what can be done to improve. We also try to analyse the competition and how strong it is," he said.

Assembling at their rest spot in the parking lot of First Caribbean Bank and the historical museum after the first lap on Bay Street, he said during this time some members of the group take the time to sleep and rest while others meet and work on strategies for the second lap.

"Some members also take the time to look at the other groups participating in the parade."

The groups often assemble in sections, with the brass members congregating in one area, the dancers in another and the same for the drummers and bellers, who are often around the fire pit.

"It is fun because we take the time to relate to one another. Sometimes it can be a little tense especially if the group did not have a good first lap," said Mr Rolle.

"I can remember my days of using a parking stub as a pillow. Rushing takes a serious toll on the body and much conditioning is needed. I guess that's why we see so many people using energy drinks and so forth," he said.

While it is all peachy and fun to socialize with group members during the breaks, there are also some disagreements and altercations here and there.

"It really depends on the performance of the group on the first lap. If the group is unpleased with its performance things can be very tense leading to altercations and tempers flaring."

However, Mr Rolle stressed that this does not happen often, as Junkanoo is looked at as a fun and exciting event for most.

"We laugh and have fun with one another waiting for the lap on Shirley Street to start."

Not too far down the street, Shanae Fernander stood with her team, One Family. Using this time to track back on her performance from the very first lap.

"Remembering to smile always and feed off each other by calling each others name to keep the energy level up during the parade, these are things we work on during the breaks," said Ms Fernander.

Working together by chanting the One Family chant, the energy level amongst members is at its highest behind the scenes.

"There are always disagreements between different groups arguing about who looks better or who will win, but other than that the whole Junkanoo experience is fun. You learn to work together; how to interact with people and how to be disciplined," said Ms Fernander.