The origin of the word Junkanoo is obscure. Some say it comes from the French “L’inconnu” (meaning the unknown), in reference to the mask worn by paraders; or “junk enow”, the Scottish settlers’ reference to the parades, meaning “junk enough”; or “John Canoe”, the name of an African tribal chief who demanded the right to celebrate with his people even after being brought to the West Indies in slavery. Here in the Turks and Caicos Islands, Junkanoo has been a celebration of the salt harvest trade which occurred during the trading of the salt. When merchant ships would bring goods to trade for the harvested salt, it was celebrated by the Islanders through the beating of drums, pots and pans, the scraping of saws, scrub boards, shaking of maracas, cow bells and the blowing of conch horns and whistles.

We tour Blue Hills, the first settlement in Providenciales to see how the locals live

Omars Beach Hut is where wold famous actors, atheletes and singers go to hang out and catch a view from the South Side of the island. Lebron James, Jennifer Anniston, and Jason Aldean have all been seen here enjoying their famous Conch and Jerk Chicken.

CastAways Conch Bar: Castaways Conch Bar & Island Grill is a restaurant and bar located at the prestigious Grace Bay Road on Providenciales, Turks and Caicos Islands. We offer a fusion of island specialities and international favorites in a casual out-door setting. Castaways Conch Bar & Island Grill is the island’s newest and freshest place to savor all the tastes of the tropical. With its innovative fusion menu and new wave beat, Castaways is one of the hottest restaurants in the Turks and Caicos Islands.