Saxons make spectacular comeback to be crowned at Boxing Day Parade

Rashaed Esson

Staff Writer 

#TheBahamas, December 29, 2023 – The Bahamas Shell Saxon Superstars copped the winning title for the 2023 Boxing Day Junkanoo Parade.

Saxons, as the overall winner, came with an unmatched vibe and music, a representation of Bahamian culture, during the parade.

They electrified Bay and Shirley Streets in downtown Nassau, presenting the theme “Legendary Ancient Rulers.”

The group, which is itself legendary and which in recent years missed securing the best of Boxing Day title burst onto the parade route dancing while their instruments sent out a rhythmic call, the fans in the stands lining the route responded with thunderous shouts and cheering.

Following the Saxons, who topped them by just two points were the Valley Boys; who emerged  with a jovial children’s theme and nursery rhymes pounded out by the bells, whistles, horns, drums, brass and other instruments to rouse the crowds.

Back for a second year since COVID put a freeze on public gatherings were A group phenoms: Roots, Genesis Warhawks and One Family – last year’s back to back Boxing Day and New Year’s Day parade winners.

Bringing the show to the streets from the B Category were Colour, who came out on top followed by Fancy Dancers, The Immortals, The Original Congos, Body of Christ, Conquerors for Christ, Fox Foundation, Redland Soldiers and the Music Makers, who were disqualified despite a stellar performance for an earlier that scheduled start.

Rain and high winds that never came forced the decision to cancel the parade at its  traditional time, 10 p.m. on Boxing Day, the day after Christmas.  Instead, it was a Wednesday December 27 run of the cultural extravaganza which drew thousands out in the nippy weather conditions.

Junkanoo and the love of it is an equalizer.  From Prime Ministers to the Governor General and Foreign dignitaries, tourists and natives all convene in Nassau for this amazing event, which has now been inducted into the Heritage Hall of Fame of UNESCO.  Special to see spectating, the Soca Monarch himself, Machel Montano, who remarked on his impression of junkanoo for the first time.

“It’s definitely something special, something unique,” he said, adding his highlight for the night.

“What really impressed me is the vibration of the people…the drums way down on the street, everybody moving to their own rhythm,” he added.

He also spoke of the “involvement of the fans” which he points out was interesting to watch.

In a week, all of these groups, supported by Corporate sponsors and The Bahamas Government through the Ministry of Youth, Sports and Culture will do it again. The 2024 New Year’s Day Junkanoo parade will be carried live by the major networks from 2 a.m. New Year’s morning.