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The
white face of
the reveler at the right can be traced back to the foundings of
Junkanoo. Junkanoo started as a masquerade for slaves who often
hid their faces with a painting of white flour.
Later,
the flour face masks were replaced by wire masks held
on a stick, in the manner of Europeans at their formal dances.
Most revelers today don't bother with masks of any type. There's no longer
any need for secrecy and, besides, it's much cooler without
them.
Further,
preparing for Junkanoo is a community project for family
members, friends and neighbors and an excuse to party for the sideline
spectators who root loyally for their Junkanoo Group. Who wants to hide
from their friends?
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