Providenciales, Turks and Caicos- Every year, more people are opting for a new spin on the traditional white Christmas, trading in snowflakes and eggnog for the flaky white sands of a warm beach and a fruity cocktail. And why not? Apparently, Santa’s sleigh CAN pack turquoise waters and a villa full of your close family for the week. And on the Island of Providenciales (AKA Provo) in Turks and Caicos, a Caribbean Christmas has its own holiday festivities that are a visual and musical present for any generation.
It’s called Maskanoo, and this parade of colorful costumes and rhythmic music would be hard to miss. Boxing Day (December 26th) and New Year’s Day are the customary days for the grander parades on Provo. The traditional music associated with Maskanoo is called Ripsaw, a rhythmic percussion of various instruments including a real saw played with a metal object, usually a nail or fork. Provo’s weekly Thursday fish fry, located in The Bite near the Gansevoort Hotel, also plays host to an occasional Maskanoo performance for tourists.
Maskanoo has been a part of Turk’s and Caicos culture for centuries. Nowadays, the tradition is carried on by the citizens of Provo called Belongers. Tourists are sure to fall in step with the catchy Ripsaw music, an exciting change from the usual Christmas classics. No wonder so many people are now dreaming of a white (sand) Christmas.
Check out TC Villas to see the luxury villa rentals we have available for your vacation!