The day begins with the official announcement of Jonkonnu by the town crier, followed by revelers dancing for people on their doorsteps to collect donations. (Mims). The town crier usually shouts a chant such as "John Canoe is coming John Canoe is coming!" (Mims). According to Mckown, participants in the celebrations dress up in their best clothes or a costume. Typical costumes include horse heads, horned masks, and tails that are usually made of cloth, wood, colored rags, and leather (Mckown). The most prominent figure known as Rag Man, is covered from head to toe in colorful rags and is often danced to once the celebration begins; however, Rag Man's importance pales in comparison to his significance during the era of slavery (Mims). The Rag Man essentially had the social hierarchy of a white man during the brief time he was allowed to shake hands with his slave master (Mims). This was unheard of in the rest of the year and something like this would have been devastating to the owner's reputation among other whites (Mims). The celebration begins with people dressed in their costumes dancing to the music and beat of drums. The children dance to the song “Funga alafia, asay ashay! Mushroom alafia, ashay ashay!” which roughly translates to “I welcome you into my heart” (Mims). The festivities spread throughout the city and can be heard from every corner of the Tryon Palace.