Accompong Maroon Festival in 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! 

Date of celebration

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’. 

What the celebration entails

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. 

Rituals involved 

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. 

What one can expect 

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!