Nassaucreate your own vibe

Rio may have Carnivale, and New Orleans may have Mardi Gras, but Bahamians know how to party, too, and it’s called Junkanoo. Taking place in the Bahamas and the Turks & Caicos every Boxing Day (December 26) and New Year’s Day, the street parade and parties celebrate freedom from slavery (although initially, the freedom lasted only three days around Christmas). In Nassau, thousands dance along Bay Street accompanied by trumpets, drums and cowbells, with honors going to the groups with the best costumes. To experience this riot of color, music and movement, you have to stay up late (or get up early): it starts at about 2 a.m. and ends at dawn.