If around Christmas time, you see children of all ages (and even some adults) running away screaming and save from a spectacle in the streets, a good guess would be that they are running away from the terrifying Jonkonnu. Jonkonnu characters which usually look like the Devil, complete with fork et al, and these masked creatures have been popular in the Jamaican culture since the 1960s.
Jonkonnu (also spelled John Canoe, John Konno, Johnny Canoe, Jonkunnu and John Canou) is an example of blending rhythm in Africa with European cultural themes, often acting out UK gigs. Excerpt from Shakespearean monologues were often in a Jonkonnu exhibition, and suits also reflect the European influences, transpose the attire of the Kings and Queens of the characters.
The traditional Jonkonnu characters include the horned Cow head, Policeman, Horse Head, wild Sockeye, Devil, Belly-Woman, Pitchy-unevenly, and sometimes a bride and head of the House who carries out a picture of a large House on his head. All is bright, elaborate and colorful. Add mirrors and tinsel in General to shine suits. Pitchy uneven is particularly striking, as his costume consists of a strip of light coloured fabrics.
Each character has a special role and sometimes a special dance to perform. Belly-Womans nature, for example, often a man dressed as a pregnant woman. This character is created always laugh by exaggerating the stomach with the music. Characters frequently interact with each other and the music of drums and fife causing many a spectator to dance together with the band.
Despite the fun that Jon cone georgianus, having many people are still afraid but enthralled by their performances.
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