Accompong Maroon Festival
St Elizabeth, on Jamaica’s south coast, hosts the Accompong Maroon Festival each year in January in celebration of the birth of Captain Cudjoe, who defeated the English army and forged a peace treaty with the British some 200 years ago. Homage is paid to the ancestors of the Maroons on the 6th of January, accompanied by the wailing sound of the ‘abeng’ and the rhythmic beat of the ‘gumbay’ drum. The festival features traditional singing and dancing, ceremonies and a feast.
Rebel Salute
The Rebel Salute is a one-night Roots Reggae Festival held in St Elizabeth. Past musicians who have graced the stage include Abijah, Buju Banton, Ken Booth, Jimmy Cliff, The Mighty Diamonds, Half Pint, John Holt, Junior Kelly, Luciano, Rita Marley, Ziggy Marley and Queen Afriqua. This major gathering of musicians has been called 'a spiritual renaissance' and is considered a cultural masterpiece, seeing enormous growth in attendance by locals and international visitors.
Negril Fat Tire Festival
The Negril Fat Tire Festival is a popular sporting event held at Negril Hills on the western coast of Jamaica. Healthy competition and pure Jamaican ‘vibe’ combine to make this mountain cycling event a highlight of Jamaica’s events calendar. There’s the Jamaican Downhill, the XC National Championship and plenty of live entertainment to wrap up the activities.
Hague Agricultural Show
This annual agricultural show, held at the Hague Showground in Kingston, makes for a fun-filled day for the whole family. The island’s best livestock and agricultural produce are on display, as are a wide range of craft items. You can enjoy the lively atmosphere, the edible treats and take home some Jamaican crafts as well.
Carnival in Jamaica
With activities centred in Kingston and held island-wide, Carnival in Jamaica has grown immensely in popularity over the years, making it the island’s premier festival. There are events and shows featuring both local and international soca and calypso musicians. Beach Jouvert begins the event, with the Road March signalling the end. This is a costumed street parade where everyone can enjoy calypso, soca and reggae music.
SKAZZ
Ocho Rios is the venue for SKAZZ, bringing together both ska and jazz music lovers from all over the world. The event showcases the best of Jamaica's internationally acclaimed ska and jazz entertainers and also promotes Jamaican foods and lifestyle. This is reported to be a great time for the rejuvenation of body, mind and soul.
Jamaica Orchid Society Show
This show, held at the Horticultural Hall of the West Indies in Kingston, occurs late in March, providing exotic plant lovers with a dazzling range of colour and variety: truly an orchid lover's delight. The Jamaica Orchid Society Show is sanctioned by the American Orchid Society.
Trelawny Yam Festival
In Montego Bay, the Trelawny Yam Festival provides for a full week of celebration, culminating in a street festival in Albert town. Residents of the South Trelawny area enthusiastically host guests from around the island and overseas for this fun-filled event centred on the culture and heritage of ‘yam country’.
Calabash International Literary Festival
At St Elizabeth, on Jamaica’s south coast, you can enjoy this literary event that is as artistic as it is unusual. The festival takes place at a funky resort called ‘Jake’s’, located in an untamed area on the south coast. It has been described as inspirational, daring and transforming.
Ocho Rios Jazz Festival
The annual festival fills eight days with the excitement of great jazz performed by superb entertainers. An added benefit is that it’s healthy and wholesome entertainment that can be enjoyed by the whole family.
Epicurean Escape
This festival of food and fine wines has been held at Negril for the past several years, offering culinary seminars and training, pastry making classes, wine tasting and champagne tasting. A special gala on the last evening of the event makes for an extraordinary festival. This is a great opportunity to learn more about fine wine and cuisine while enjoying sampling what’s on offer.
Little Ochi Seafood Carnival
The Little Ochi Seafood Carnival is held on the south coast and is a celebration of the array of culinary delights typical of this part of the island. Some 6000 participants are attracted to this event annually. Soca bands and other well-known performers are featured.
Seville Emancipation Jubilee
In celebration of the African ancestors of the Jamaican population, this jubilee brings together Jamaican folk art, cuisine, craft and music at Ocho Rios. A major focus is on the contribution of African ancestors to emancipation. The Seville Heritage Park is taken back in time to recreate the period in the 19th century when this historic event occurred.
Cultural Extravaganza
Drama, dance, culinary arts, gospel, music, arts and crafts are on offer during this exciting opportunity to experience Jamaican culture. All activities for this extravaganza are organised by the Jamaica Cultural Development Commission and are suitable for the entire family.
Appleton Temptation Isle
Appleton Jamaica Rums is the main sponsor of the Independence Weekend 'Temptation Isle’, featuring a series of exciting parties at various venues at the Resort of Negril. Eleven fun parties are held over one weekend. The event has been running successfully for several years, with many return visitors. Venues include: Hedonism II, Margueritaville, Risky Business, Tamboo and Waves Negril.
Port Antonio International Marlin Tournament
For more than four decades, the Port Antonio International Marlin Tournament has attracted anglers from all over the world; and for more than two decades the Port Antonio Local Canoe Tournament has brought together canoeing enthusiasts from many countries. Both tournaments offer trophies for the major events. All endangered species are released alive in keeping with International Game Fish Association Tag and Release Regulations. Make sure to enter and participate for your chance at the Jamaica Tourist Board Trophy, awarded to the best ‘Non-Jamaican Overseas Angler.’
Africa Jamfest
Africa Jamfest brings the essence of African culture to Montego Bay, in a unique festival showcasing traditional African heritage and its influence in arts and crafts, fashion and music throughout the Caribbean. There’s a fashion show and business trade fair in Kingston and a finale of musical performances by artists from all corners of the African continent.
Treasure Beach Hook N' Line Canoe Tournament
This annual south coast fishing tournament has been running for a number of years on Heroes’ Day Weekend. Traditional fishing methods are encouraged during this three-day event; including fishing from canoes with a hook and line, as the name suggests. Environmental exhibits and plenty of entertainment are also featured throughout the tournament.
Oktoberfest
The Jamaica German Society hosts this annual German festival of food, drink and culture, in Kingston and has been doing so for more than 30 years. You’ll find games, prizes and surprises as well as lots of specialty German foods, different types of beers, German wines and schnapps.
Reggae Marathon and Half Marathon
Negril’s Reggae Marathon and Half Marathon is a great opportunity to walk, jog or run along the stunning coast to the pulsating beat of reggae. The rhythm is certain to keep you moving as you progress along the 26.2 mile or 13.1 mile course. There’ll be plenty of chances to celebrate at the end of the marathon for all who finish.
Tastee Talent Contest
Just about one week before Christmas, this talent contest is held at the Tastee Outdoor Theatre in Kingston, after preliminary rounds that are held monthly throughout most of the year. The culmination of the contest brings together the most talented performers from all over the island. An added bonus for spectators is that competitors perform alongside big-name entertainers.
Howzzat!
Since the mid-20th century, the Little Theatre Movement has presented an annual national pantomime. A core group of multi-talented musical theatre performers, noted for their versatility, stage this entertaining performance. Not only do they demonstrate their versatility in their ability to act, dance and sing, but also in acrobatics, stilt-walking and puppet animation.
New Year's Day: January 1
Easter: Dates vary each year
Labour Day: May 23
Emancipation Day: First Monday in August
Independence Day: August 6
National Heroes' Day: Third Monday in October
Christmas: December 25
Boxing Day: December 26
