Mocko Jumbie – The Colorful Spirits of the Virgin Islands
Festivals in the Virgin Islands are always grand and exotic, thanks to the “Mocko Jumbies.” The Virgin Islands are rich in culture and colorful history, and the story behind the Mocko Jumbies is fascinating.
The term “mocko” comes from a Central African language meaning “healer,” while “Jumbie” means ghost or spirit. The tradition came to the Virgin Islands via enslaved Africans brought by the European slave masters to work in sugar plantations. “Mocko Jumbies” are colorfully dressed stilt walkers whose presence and performance is the cornerstone of Virgin Islands celebrations today. Their spiritual dance is performed for religious ceremonies and rites of passage.
The traditional African Mocko Jumbies wore masks made from goat skin covered with shells, but the Mocko Jumbies in the Virgin Islands wore more colorful garb and carnival masks, not to make their performance more festive, but to disguise its meaning. Slave masters prohibited Africans from practicing their religious beliefs, so the slaves were only able to perform during festivals in the islands so as to not arouse suspicions. Thus, the tradition of the Mocko Jumbie’s appearance in Virgin Islands celebrations was born.
Since then, the Mocko Jumbies have been a dominant part of festivities in the Virgin Islands. Their appearance at celebrations, such as carnivals, weddings, parades, jump-ups, or at beach BBQ’s is considered a blessing and an honor. Because of the vibrant, free and deep spiritual feeling the Mocko Jumbies generate, their presence makes a big impact on everyone who experiences their performance.
Mocko Jumbies in the Virgin Islands and nearby Caribbean islands have incorporated acrobatics stunts, thus making it a sensational form of art. Many troupes were established to keep this unique Virgin Islands art and heritage alive, as well to make the community proud of their culture and history. To make your stay in the Virgin Islands more memorable, you can take lessons from one of the many troupes and join them on parades!
The Mocko Jumbies in the Virgin Islands make celebrations more festive, exotic and amazing. The Virgin Islands offer so much more than white sand beaches, crystal clear waters, and abundant marine life. So while on the Islands, embrace the culture and history and don’t miss the chance to join in on the fun and dance on stilts.
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