By Tynia Brown

Journal Staff Writer

The National Junkanoo Committee has released the essential rules and requirements for all groups, individuals, judges and parade officials participating in the 2025/2026 Junkanoo season. The guidelines highlight the most critical procedures for registration, costumes, eligibility, parade timing and scoring.

The NJC has confirmed that registration is mandatory for every group and individual entering the Boxing Day and New Year’s Day parades. Late registration will be allowed for 24 hours after the official deadline but may result in participants being ineligible for prizes. Once registered, all entrants will receive formal confirmation and a copy of the official rules.

The Committee has approved four divisions for the upcoming season. A Division groups must parade with at least two hundred costumed members, including dancers, a full music section, brass, a banner, a lead costume and step down pieces. B Division groups require at least fifty costumed participants, a banner and minimum numbers of dancers. D Division is reserved for individual entrants whose costumes must be built on a frame with no more than four wheels and must stand at least eight feet tall. E Division groups will parade for entertainment and are not eligible for prizes.

Costumes across all categories must meet strict guidelines. Major costumes such as lead pieces, step down costumes, brass, drummers, bellers and dancers must be at least seventy-five percent fringe and no more than twenty-five percent decoration. Cloth costumes are limited and participants without proper cloth numbers will incur penalties.

Groups are also required to prepare and submit a synopsis of their parade theme which must be presented at the annual order of entry draw held on the first Saturday in December. The number drawn will determine each group’s position, and no exchanges are permitted.

The NJC has confirmed the parade start times. The Boxing Day parade begins at 9 pm on December 25 and the New Year’s Day parade begins at 2 am on January 1. All groups and individual participants must check in with parade officials at least one hour before start time. Any group not ready when called will be penalized and placed at the end of the lineup in their division.

Judging will take place in designated zones along the official parade route. Groups must complete their required laps within the time limits established for their division or face point deductions. The NJC also outlined its inclement weather policy, stating that start times may be delayed or events postponed based on meteorological forecasts and consultations with the Police Force, parade officials and designated group liaisons.

Following each parade the Parade Management Committee will issue unofficial scorecards within forty eight hours and results will be announced once tallying is complete. Groups will have 48 hours to file protests.

The NJC said the rules are designed to ensure fairness, safety and consistency as Junkanoo groups prepare for one of the nation’s most celebrated cultural traditions.