Celebrating Resistance and Rhythm: Jonkonnu Masquerade at BCA
Image: "Dancers" (Jamaica 1975) by John Canoe. c/o WikiPedant
At the heart of Caribbean culture lies a vibrant, rhythmic celebration that blends history, art, music, and storytelling: Jonkonnu (also known as Junkanoo). Now, young learners have the chance to experience its magic firsthand at Black Cultural Archives, through a creative, curriculum-linked workshop designed for EYFS, Key Stage 1, and Lower Key Stage 2 pupils.
Please note that this workshop can be tailored to support groups with additional needs, and it has been successfully delivered to diverse audiences, including students from Livity School.
What is Jonkonnu?
Jonkonnu is a masquerade tradition with deep African roots — believed to have origins in Akan, Yoruba, or Igbo culture. It emerged on the plantations of the Caribbean, performed during the short holiday breaks around Christmas or New Year, when enslaved Africans had time off from forced labour. But this wasn’t just celebration for celebration’s sake. Every drumbeat, every costume, every dance move was — and still is — a powerful expression of resistance, identity, and cultural affirmation.
From the flamboyant costumes to the hypnotic rhythms of the drums, Jonkonnu is a living legacy of joy, defiance, and unity. It tells the story of a people who held onto their heritage through creativity and performance.
The Jonkonnu Masquerade workshop at BCA offers a unique, immersive opportunity for children to learn through doing. Across 90 exciting minutes, pupils will:
Explore the history and cultural roots of Jonkonnu.
Discover the meaning behind iconic characters and traditional costumes.
Engage with the sounds and rhythms of Caribbean drumming.
Create and perform their own mini Jonkonnu parade, bringing the celebration to life.
Designed to support learning in history, art, and music, this workshop taps into children’s natural creativity and curiosity, making learning not just informative but unforgettable.
Why It Matters
Workshops like Jonkonnu Masquerade are more than just fun experiences. They help children:
Understand the historical context of the African diaspora.
Build respect and appreciation for diverse cultural traditions.
Gain confidence through creative expression and performance.
See how resistance and resilience can take many forms — including joy, art, and music.
In a world that’s increasingly interconnected, teaching young people about the richness of global Black history helps build empathy, awareness, and pride.
Book Your Place
The Jonkonnu Masquerade workshop is available to schools and education groups, hosted in the inspiring setting of Black Cultural Archives in Brixton, London.
Whether you’re looking to enrich Black History Month, support your curriculum, or simply introduce pupils to an exciting cultural tradition, this workshop offers something truly special.
To book or find out more, visit https://blackculturalarchives.org/schools
Let’s keep the rhythm of resistance alive — one step, one drumbeat, one story at a time.