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When we think of the island nation of Jamaica, we think of beaches, cocktails, music and of course friendly people! And, the best way to experience this delightful culture is through its many celebrations. So, we’ve highlighted some of the best events that take place through the year in tropical, effervescent Jamaica! Note – Jamaica is home to several more festivals that span multiple categories of entertainment, arts and food!
Reggae Month is one of the grooviest events in Jamaica and the nation’s pride and joy! It was first announced and staged in 2008 by the Ministry of Culture and powered by the Jamaican Reggae Industry Association. The aim of this celebration is to shed light on Jamaica’s glorious musical history and heritage, deeming it the mecca of Reggae. A yearly success, it attracts approximately 40,000 attendees each year who come to partake in the amalgamation of rhythm and blues, jazz, calypso, African, and Latin American styles. So, are you ready for the guitars, drums, congas, keyboards and soulful vocalists to take your breath away?
In Jamaica, February is deemed as Black History Month. The nation celebrates the legendary reggae musician – Bob Marely through various festivities. Coinciding with the King’s birthday, an annual 5-day bash is held on One Love Drive leading to his birthday on February 6th. Tribute is paid via acts of drumming, Junkanoo dance performances and other Reggae acts. The best part is, sizzling Jamaican delicacies are prepared and shared! Each day, there are unforgettable acts and thrilling activities such as impersonations of Bob Marley and the Punky Reggae Party. This is one of the most famous Jamaica festivals, attracting tourists from all over the world to Negril.
The Rainforest Seafood Festival debuted in 2013 and distinguished itself as one of western Jamaica's largest charity events, raising over $30 million for We Care for Cornwall Regional Hospital! After a 2-year hiatus, this Jamaica festival 2020 aims to make an entrance! The Rainforest Seafood and Music Festival 2020 will showcase over 25 of Jamaica's most iconic chefs from superb eateries such as Little Ochie Seafood from St Elizabeth, Sharkies from St Ann, Scotchies and even Rainforest's Fish Pot food truck! One of the liveliest events in Jamaica, the festival features musical performances from talents like Marion Hall, Luciano, Romain Virgo, Stylo G, Ding Dong and Agent Sasco.
On our list of amazing Jamaica festivals is Back to the Island! This tropical event is a musical escape to a heavenly resort along the Caribbean shore, where music lovers can come together and share a once-in-a-lifetime experience with pop rock band, HANSON, as the host! If you’re looking to bask in the sun and sand of Meliá Braco Village, in Trelawny, Jamaica, watching world-famous musicians do their thing, then this is for you!
Got some moves you’d like to try or perhaps some notes you’d like to hit? Let SOTC help you channel your inner performer by planning an amazing trip to Jamaica!
Accompong is a heritage Maroon village that is nestled in the hills of St. Elizabeth Parish, on the tropical island of Jamaica. Over 200 years ago, this quaint little hamlet achieved its independence from the strict British regime. To commemorate this profound victory led by the late Cudjoe as well as to honour the signing of the 1739 peace treaty, the Maroons hold and celebrate the Accompong Maroon Festival annually!
Accompong Maroon Festival is celebrated every year on the 6th of January. Interesting fact to note – as the festival is held in early January, each year, a lot of Jamaicans refer to it as ‘Maroon New Year’.
Several activities are held during the iconic Accompong Maroon Festival. Some are extremely fun while others fall on the darker side of the spectrum. Each one, however, sheds light on the life of the heroic Maroons. This sacred festival celebrates Accompong village’s independence from the British and hence is a melting pot of diverse experiences. From traditional singing and dancing (to the beats of rhythmic drums) to dramatic storytelling and mesmerising chanting, there are many fascinating things to immerse yourself in! Street food delicacies are whipped up and shared, plus intense invocations of Afro-Caribbean heritage set the tone for the night.
When it comes to customs and rituals, the intriguing Accompong Maroon Festival culminates with a traditional ceremony – a solemn march to the revered Kindah Tree that is the exact location upon where the Maroons signed a treaty with the British in 1739 to establish their autonomy. Here, a specially prepared Maroon dish awaits. It is usually unsalted pork that is seasoned with Allspice (dried unripe berry of pimenta dioica) aka Jamaica Pepper and accompanied by yams, thus staying true to Jamaican roots. This meal is followed by an all-night celebration that continues until the next morning.
If you’re traveling to Jamaica in January, make sure you experience the enchantment of the Accompong Maroon Festival. Not only does it mark an important historical event in Jamaica’s history, but it’s also an occasion of immense spirituality. One can expect to be surprised, mesmerised, delighted and awe-struck! From the unique activities to the authentic rituals and scintillating music and cuisine, there is much to look forward to. And, what better way to get acquainted with a new culture than by partaking in one of its festivals?
Now, all you have to do is visit the SOTC website and choose from a plethora of Jamaican tour packages! Deemed as one of the top festivals in Jamaica, we place this high on the list of festivals to check out!
Groove, sway and move your feet to the rhythm of the night! Blue Mountain Music Festival is a special place for all those who have an appreciation for song, symphony and tune. One of Jamaica’s most popular festivals, the cool Blue Mountains makes for a splendid location. A lovely melange of music, culture, art, nature and splendid coffee all mixed together for you to savour, do check this one out!
The Blue Mountain Music Festival is celebrated in the month of February, usually between the dates of 20th and 28th.
A celebration of the very essence of Jamaica, Blue Mountain Music Festival takes travellers on a multisensorial journey through the frills of this Caribbean island’s mountain ranges. This exciting event brings together the best of reggae music, cultural arts and extraordinary cuisine – including the world-famous Blue Mountain Coffee!
Jamaica’s longest mountain range borders over the destinations of Portland, St. Thomas, St. Mary and St. Andrew, offering exquisite panoramic views of these landscapes. Hiking to the Blue Mountain Peak, in itself, is an amazing experience that one is unlikely to forget. The trails are beautiful, and the vistas are sublime. Add to that, a spectacular line up of musical performances by renowned reggae artists, local craft exhibitions by talented artisans, lip-smacking bites accompanied by freshly brewed coffee, and you’ve got yourself the best of nature, entertainment and food to look forward to.
For nature lovers, music buffs and photography enthusiasts, know that this event will speak right to your soul! If you’re looking to explore the Blue Mountain coffee phenomenon more closely, you can check out the Blue Mountain Coffee Festival as well! From farm to cup, learn about the coffee bean’s tale and sample some delicious hot and cold concoctions.
When in Jamaica, a trip to its towering Blue Mountains is a must. One can expect to be mesmerised by its natural beauty and alluring atmosphere. What’s more, the Blue Mountains rises to its altitude from the coastal plains in the space of approximately 16 kilometres, thereby producing one of the steepest general gradients in the whole world! So, prepare for sharp inclines and sheer drops. Those with a fear of heights, especially, should be cognisant of this. For the reggae music fans, be prepared for rhythmic drumbeats, the sound of congas, brilliant vocalists and bluesy tunes from keyboards. We promise that you will be transported to an alternate universe, one where music is the only language!
So, have we managed to evoke your enthusiasm and spirit for The Blue Mountain Music Festival? If yes, look through SOTC’s Jamaican holiday packages and make this fantasy a reality.
Carnivals are an integral cultural event for all Caribbean locals. It is that time of year when people can forget their woes, let go of their inhibitions and simply be free! Brought to the islands by Europeans in the colonial times, this concept has blended beautifully with African traditions, over the years. What was once a mere fluke, has today grown from strength to strength to become a showstopping occasion. So, come experience life, love, spirit and new beginnings with Bacchanal Jamaica Carnival!
Bacchanal Jamaica Carnival kicks off after the period of Lent, usually during Easter. This is the exact opposite of other Caribbean Carnivals (like those of Trinidad) that begin before lent. For the year 2020, the festival will take place between the 16th and 20th of April.
The epitome of carnival magic and the very definition of grand parades, Bacchanal Jamaica will envelope all your senses with wonder! From magnificent musical performances to expressive dances and bold, glittery costumes – this is quintessential Jamaica for you. A sight to behold, you will discover a smattering of sequins, feathers and exquisite fabrics complementing smiley faces and flexible bodies! High in energy, vibrancy, colour, joy and reggae - this is a celebration like no other!
One of the highlights of this 4-day extravaganza is the National Carnival Road March, which includes a bright and colourful masquerade parade grooving to the beats of several mas bands! This is an opportunity for travellers to peak into Jamaica’s glorious culture. Which is precisely what pulls as many as 100,000 tourists in each year.
Apart from this, through the course of this spectacular event, there are several other festivities that take place simultaneously. From bustling beach parties to thrilling fetes (elaborate Jamaican festival), exciting J’ouverts (street party) to cute street parades, mas camps (place where costumes are made) to unique competitions, live music events to weekly soca (soul-calypso music) parties – this is a potpourri of all things fun.
If you’re traveling to Jamaica in the month April, be sure to witness the regions of Kingston, Ocho Rios and Montego Bay light up with glimmer, glamour and gaiety! To add to that, there will be a general feeling of happiness and excitement throughout the Caribbean Islands. It is contagious, so expect to dive into a holiday state of mind. You will find surprises of every kind jumping out at you. With respect to the biggest carnival, prepare for action-packed days. We’d recommend you get a good night’s rest before you head out. Always keep hydrated and make sure you save room for yummy street food too!
Have we managed to pique your excitement quotient? If yes, let us at SOTC help you get to Jamaica, so that you can find out for yourself what a true carnival feels like!
Rebel Salute dazzles reggae lovers from across the globe with its scintillating performances and groovy atmosphere. What originally began as a mere concert to honour reggae icon Patrick ‘Tony Rebel’ Barrett’s birthday has continued to transform and evolve over the decades. Over the course of two nights, this musical masterpiece amalgamates a host of styles, expressions and point of views from music industry veterans as well as newcomers!
Rebel Salute is usually held every year on the 15th of January on the birthday of Jamaican reggae singer, D.J and promoter - Tony Rebel. For the year 2020, however, the festival was held on the 17th and 18th of January.
As one of the biggest music festivals in Jamaica, it’s no surprise that Rebel Salute entails mesmerising performances from renowned reggae artists across the nation and globe. From a line-up of the best performers to exhibitions of cultural arts and truckloads of organic food options, this is the kind of place that allows travellers to truly enjoy themselves. Plus, the environment is herb-friendly and cultivates overall great vibes!
What sets Rebel Salute apart from other typical Jamaican music festivals is its creative presentation. Not only is there emphasis on the quality of the entertainment, but also the aesthetics of the entire event and its performers. In staying true to this philosophy and wholesome image, all artists use their real names and shed their stage names. They also perform a clean and conscious set of songs. This initiative by Tony Rebel is believed to act as a reminder of one’s versatility and authentic sense of self. As such, this world-famous concert ultimately aims to promote, preserve and cultivate the positive aspects of Jamaican music and culture. Whether it’s on stage gigs or off-stage interactions, homage is paid to African heritage. And so, for all those looking for a family-friendly music event, this is an exceptional choice!
A trip to Jamaica in January calls for a visit to the parish of St. Ann, where the fabulous Rebel Salute takes place. You can expect to embark on a delightful musical journey that will definitely win over your ears, feet and hearts! If you’d like to enjoy this festival, here are a few things to keep in mind. Firstly, due to the location in question, it’s best to find accommodation in Ocho Rios as it opens doors to restaurants and sight-seeing attractions by the dozen. Secondly, expect to find the festival grounds packed with campers as this is a popular option, something that you can avail of too. Lastly, you may choose to book your transportation through the official festival provider, a tour company or even by yourself.
A world of song awaits your musical soul. So, let SOTC guide your journey to Jamaica and make it the most memorable vacation yet!
