The 10 Most Important Jamaican Holidays and Celebrations
- New Year’s Day. Just like everyone else in the world, Jamaicans ring in the New Year on January 1st. The most popular...
- Accompong Maroon Festival. The Accompong Maroon Festival is an important historical event that takes place every...
- Easter. About 65 percent of Jamaicans identify as Protestant and the...
What types of celebrations are in Jamaica?
Top Cultural Events, Festivals, and Concerts in Jamaica
- Bob Marley Week. Christina Xu / Flickr / CC BY 2.0 Feb. ...
- Trelawny Yam Festival. The yam may be a terrific tuber, but a whole festival? ...
- Ocho Rios Jazz Festival. ...
- Portland Jerk Festival. ...
- Reggae Sumfest. ...
- International Marlin Tournaments. ...
- Kingston Restaurant Week. ...
- Jamaica Jazz and Blues Festival. ...
- Bacchanal Jamaica Carnival. ...
What holidays do Jamaicans celebrate?
What do Jamaicans eat on Christmas?
- Sorrel.
- Christmas cake or Christmas pudding.
- Curried goat.
- Egg punch.
- Gungo peas.
- Christmas Ham.
What do Jamaicans celebrate?
What do Jamaicans celebrate? The Independence Day of Jamaica is a national holiday celebrated in Jamaica. This holiday commemorates such an event, it is one of the most senior public holidays celebrated in Jamaica. ...
How do Jamaicans celebrate New Years?
The following are some ways that we celebrate New Years in Jamaica :-
- Party at a friend’s house with lots of food and liquor;
- Party on the beach;
- Meeting up with friends at a Sports Bar where libation is the order of the night;
- Hitting up the Night Club and dancing up a storm till midnight;
- Join a friend or family member at a Hotel to celebrate with the guests;
What do Jamaican celebrate?
We have ten (10) national Jamaican holidays, four of which are Christian holidays. These are Ash Wednesday, Good Friday, Easter Monday and Christmas Day. The other 6 are secular, namely, Labour Day, Independence Day, Emancipation Day, National Heroes Day, New Year's Day and Boxing Day.
What are some national celebrations in Jamaica?
These are New Year's Day, Ash Wednesday, Good Friday, Easter Monday, Labour Day, Emancipation Day, Independence Day, National Heroes Day (2nd Monday in October), Christmas Day and Boxing Day.
What is the main festival in Jamaica?
Jamaica Carnival The biggest event of the year shows off Jamaican culture in all its glory, with street parades, soca, calypso music and dancing. The multi-day festival in mid-February takes place all over, but with the main street parade is in Kingston.
How Jamaica celebrate Christmas?
Jamaicans celebrate by going to church, exchanging gifts with their families, and gathering for a large meal. Dinner on Christmas Day, the biggest feast for Jamaicans, includes chicken, oxtail, curry goat, roast ham, and rice and gungo peas. (Gungo peas, a Christmas specialty for Jamaica, usually ripen in December.
Do Jamaicans celebrate Valentine's day?
February is traditionally the month where Valentine's day is celebrated over much of the world, and of course, Jamaica is no exception. It's actually a really big celebration with loving couples declaring their feelings just as others do worldwide.
What does Jamaica celebrate in March?
March 28. Earth Hour is celebrated around the world and is Jamaica's way of acknowledging this important annual activity during which the entire globe is encouraged to turn off lights in support of nature. In Jamaica, the lights are dimmed while acoustic performances infiltrate the air in Kingston.
How do Jamaicans celebrate New Years?
One of the main things that Jamaicans do on the New Year's Eve is attend a service at a local parish. In fact, Jamaica has the biggest number of churches per square mile in the whole world! And on the New Year's Eve in particular – all of these churches will be jampacked with people.
What is the holiday in Jamaica?
Easter – Public Holiday. Easter, Lent and Good Friday are celebrated in Jamaica in much the same way as it is in the U.S. After church services, Jamaican families celebrate with family outings to the beaches, kite flying, or visiting one of the numerous flower shows. Jamaica Carnival – Celebration. Jamaica Carnival celebrations start during ...
Where is Jamaica celebrated on July 1?
On July 1, musicians from around the globe descend on Jamaica to celebrate in Kingston. The day is filled with reggae music, dancing, and the cuisine for which Jamaica is famous. The event is also broadcast online.
What is the holiday on May 23?
Labor Day – Public Holiday. The public holiday on May 23 celebrates the efforts of its workers. It’s also a day when individuals are encouraged to volunteer some time to better their communities by cleaning, painting and helping others. Emancipation Day – Public Holiday.
What is the Grand Market on Christmas Eve?
On Christmas Eve, the streets are filled with food and toy vendors that have led to it being called “Grand Market.”. Singing, dancing, food and music are enjoyed well into the morning hours on Christmas Eve and gifts are exchanged over Christmas dinner. Boxing Day – Public Holiday.
What is the day of the year that the British abolished slavery?
Emancipation Day – Public Holiday. Celebrated on Aug. 1, the day commemorates the British signing of the Emancipation Declaration that abolished slavery in its colonies. The signing took place in Spanish Town and many go there to celebrate or by attending church. Independence Day – Public Holiday.
When is the Maroon Festival in Accompong?
Accompong Maroon Festival – Celebration. On Sept. 6, the festival is held in Accompong Town in celebration of the Maroons’ victory over British colonists in 1731. Visitors have the opportunity to learn some history and enjoy a day of food, fun, song, and dance. Easter – Public Holiday.
When is Boxing Day celebrated?
Boxing Day – Public Holiday. Celebrated on Dec. 26, the day harkens back to the British tradition of giving servants a “Christmas box” and a day off to spend with their families. It’s also a time to remember people that have given of themselves and provided invaluable services during the year. Visiting Jamaica.
What is Jamaica famous for?
Jamaica is famous for its lush rainforests, white-sand beaches lined with coral reefs filled with tropical fish, and emerald green mountains. The birthplace of well-known reggae superstar, Bob Marley, it is filled with life, energy, music, and delicious cuisines to be experienced between sightseeing adventures.
What is the Jamaican seafood festival?
Seafood lovers will be rewarded for this extra effort when they indulge in Jamaican cuisine prepared with the freshest, most succulent shrimp, lobster, conch, fish, and crab. Festival-goers will be able to watch as participants enthusiastically compete against one another in fish-eating and soup drinking competitions. Besides being able to enjoy the fruits of the Caribbean Sea, guests will be treated to live musical performances during the evening.
What is the Negril party?
During Spring Break, Negril hosts a giant party over four weeks featuring the top DJs, contests, and an open bar. During this special event celebrated in Jamaica, there is a battle of the bands contest where contestants compete against one another to be crowned the best band. World-famous international recording talent, Shaggy, along with Assasin, and other artists have graced the stage and performed during the concert series.
Where is the Jazz Festival in Jamaica?
For those who have plenty of time to travel across Jamaica, the jazz festival celebration can be experienced in Kingston, Montego Bay, Ocho Rios, and Runaway Bay.
When is the Ocho Rios Jazz Festival?
Come celebrate the Ocho Rios Jazz Festival held on Father’s Day in June each year. Enjoy listening to the smooth sounds of internationally renowned Jamaican jazz musicians alongside artists visiting from other Caribbean nations. Those traveling with families will find the Youth Programme and photo exhibition of interest in learning about the history and impact of jazz through the ages. For those who have plenty of time to travel across Jamaica, the jazz festival celebration can be experienced in Kingston, Montego Bay, Ocho Rios, and Runaway Bay.
When is Port Royal Seafood Festival?
Posted by Grace Tropical Rhythms Port Royal Seafood Festival on Wednesday, 23 October 2019. Join the locals on National Heroes Day, the third Monday in October, in celebrating Port Royal Seafood Festival.
What is the Accompong Maroon Festival?
The Accompong Maroon Festival is an independence day celebration commemorating the victory of the Maroons over the British. Come learn about Jamaica’s heritage through traditional dance, singing, storytelling, and musical performances.
Christian Holidays
Ash Wednesday This Christian holiday is celebrated anywhere between February 4th and March 10th. Ash Wednesday represents the first day of Lent and occurs 40 days before Lent. It is on a different date annually depending on which date Easter falls.
Secular Holidays
New Year’s Day Celebrated on January 1st each year, this is a holiday that is celebrated throughout most countries in the world. It is the first day of the year and is usually celebrated with parties and fireworks. Many Jamaicans celebrate it by attending church on new years' eve, giving God thanks for the 'old year' and welcoming the 'new year' at the stroke of midnight. It is believed by some that whatever the 'new year' catches you doing, it will follow you for the entire year!.
Video - Jamaicans Celebrating Independence Day In MoBay
National Heroes Day This holiday is usually celebrated on the 3rd Monday in October. The celebration is geared towards honoring and lauding the efforts of our 6 heroes and 1 heroine . They challenged the institutions of slavery, colonialism and dependency thereby changing the course of our history.
What are the holidays in Jamaica?
Oh boy, we have quite a few here. In addition to the designated holiday celebrations, we also have: 1 The annual Bob Marley Birthday celebrations held on February 6th each year, 2 The National Festival of the Arts which runs through the summer - beginning early on and ending on Jamaican Independence Day, and 3 The Accompong Maroon Festival which takes place each year on January 6- the birthday of Captain Cudjoe who defeated the English army. 4 And I need not mention sports! That is year long and they come in all flavours. Athletics is probably the chief among them. 5 We also have Heritage Fest, an annual festival, held each fall in that celebrates and uses food , dance and music to explore the diversity of Jamaica's population .#N#Heritage Fest pays homage to all of the diverse ethnicities found in Jamaica. By the way, many other food, cultural and music celebrations happens all over the world were the diaspora resides. The UK, Canada and the US are dominant.
What are the major music festivals in Jamaica?
Of course, their is also the annual International Air Jamaica Jazz & Blues festival, The Ocho Rios Jazz festival, The Port Royal Music festival and the ever exciting Jamaica Carnival.
What is Heritage Fest?
We also have Heritage Fest, an annual festival, held each fall in that celebrates and uses food , dance and music to explore the diversity of Jamaica's population . Heritage Fest pays homage to all of the diverse ethnicities found in Jamaica. By the way, many other food, cultural and music celebrations happens all over the world were ...
Which holiday is more secular?
and Christmas Day, The other 6 are more secular: Labour Day, Independence Day, Emancipation Day. National Heroes Day, New Year's Day. and Boxing Day. Heroes Day, Emancipation Day and Independence day however are a lot more reflective and a lot of appropriate events takes place to recognize that.
What is Jamaica's food?
Jamaican food is the result of a mixture of Spanish, British, Indian, and African cooking techniques and recipes. Additionally, some of the dishes from other countries have been adapted to the fruits, vegetables, and spices available on this island. Some of the most commonly used ingredients in Jamaican cuisine include: coconut, jackfruit, allspice, tamarind, and pigeon peas. A widely recognized Jamaican dish is jerk chicken, which has been seasoned by a local marinade or dry rub. The most important meal of the day is eaten in the afternoon and in the evening, most people have a tea and a light snack.
What is Jamaica's cuisine?
The Culture And Traditions Of Jamaica. Spicy jerk chicken is an example of Jamaican cuisine. Present-day Jamaica, an island nation located in the Caribbean Sea, has been influenced over the last few hundred years by its colonial history. As a result of this history, the culture of Jamaica is unique and reflects how people from a number ...
What type of music is Jamaica known for?
Music And Dance. One of the most widely recognized types of music from Jamaica is known as reggae. Reggae was first influenced by Jazz and Rhythm and Blues music, which was created and made popular by the African American population in the US. This music typically incorporates two guitars as well as drums, keyboards, and vocals.
What is the tradition of oral storytelling in Jamaica?
The residents of Jamaica have kept the tradition of oral storytelling alive in this country; this tradition has been passed down through generations of descendants of African slaves. In addition to this tradition, many Jamaicans have gone on to become successful authors.
What is the oldest book in Jamaica?
One of the oldest published books from this country is Becka’s Buckra Baby, which is recognized as the foundation of modern Jamaican literature today.
What are the ingredients in Jamaican food?
Some of the most commonly used ingredients in Jamaican cuisine include: coconut, jackfruit, allspice, tamarind, and pigeon peas. A widely recognized Jamaican dish is jerk chicken, which has been seasoned by a local marinade or dry rub.
What is the music style of Jamaica?
This music typically incorporates two guitars as well as drums, keyboards, and vocals. Reggae was made internationally popular by the singer Bob Marley. Some of the traditional dance styles created in Jamaica include: bruckins, jonkonnu, and daggering. Each of these dances are influenced by a combination of European and African traditions.
What are the Jamaican traditions?
6 fascinating Jamaican traditions and customs. Jamaica is an island full of folklore, magic, and spirituality, with a rich culture of traditions, customs, and rituals, many of them religious in origin (although by no means all). Jamaican traditions are often a mix of African and European customs – modified and adapted over the years to create ...
How long is the nine night ritual in Jamaica?
Although many Jamaican death rituals are dying out nowadays, the ‘Nine Nights’ ritual is still going strong – it’s an extended wake that lasts nine days and traditionally involves music, anecdotes, lots of food, and plenty of rum.
What is Jamaican revival?
Jamaican Revivalism is a mix of European and African religious traditions, turned into something uniquely Jamaican. Revivalism is based on Christianity, but with an African twist – the attitudes towards nature and spirituality are influenced by African religions, as is the style of worship.
Is Jamaica a rich country?
Jamaica is a country with a rich and diverse culture, and there are countless traditions, rituals, and superstitions that have developed over the centuries and help people maintain a sense of connection to their past. Although Jamaican culture is always changing, with many of the old ways of life giving way to the unstoppable march ...
August 6th- Independence Celebration
People dress up in costumes and parade to the Jamaican National Stadium in Kingston. This celebration is celebrating Jamaica's independence.
Carnival
This is a street festival that lasts on week. There are parades and street dances and colorful floats. On the last day the people dress up in costumes and go down to the Jamaican National Stadium.
Junkonoo
This is a celebration during the Christmas season. The men dress in "scary" costumes and parade around in the street.
Nine Night
Nine days after a loved one has died, the family and comunity comes together to celebrate the life of that loved one. If you do not have a nine night, it is said that the spirit comes back and haunts the family.
Other Holidays
Jamaica also celebrates Christmas, Easter, Boxing Day, New Years Day, and even Chinese New Years.
