Jonkanoo is a Jamaican masquerade street performance that combines African and European traditions. (photo courtesy of the city of West Hollywood)

On Saturday, Feb. 23, International Eye L.A. brings “Meet Me Behind My Mask” to West Hollywood for an immersive cultural experience that explores Jamaica’s jonkanoo tradition.

Supported by grants from the city’s Arts Division and the Alliance for California Traditional Arts, the workshop is part installation and part hands-on immersive experience.

Curated and facilitated by award-winning artist and designer Marie Kellier, the experience will include a historical journey into the tradition, its performance style and use of ‘jonkanooing’ to entertain, earn income and poke fun at the status quo. Kellier and her team will guide participants through the installation and performance, including the creation of individual jonkanoo masks.

Originated in Jamaica, jonkanoo is a masquerade street performance that emerged among enslaved peoples in the Caribbean as early as the 1700s. The tradition represents a combination of African and European traditions, and is often mistaken for the more popular Caribbean carnival street celebrations.

Jonkanoo takes different forms in some communities such as the Bahamas and Belize. The performance brings the traditional art to new audiences while highlighting and sharing the cultures and traditions it represents.

“Meet Me Behind My Mask” will be held from 1:30 to 4:30 p.m. in the West Hollywood Community Meeting Room at 625 N. San Vicente Blvd. The event is open to the public and reservations are recommended.

For reservations and information, email internationaleyela@gmail.com, visit eventbrite.com/e/meet-me-behind-my-mask-tickets-93197027819, or call (213)761-4475.