Jamaica is known to celebrate holidays in a festive and grand manner during the Junkanoo when big parades, costumed merrymakers, vigorous parties and great feasts are always expected. Yet aside from this Christmas holiday, Jamaica has more holidays to offer you. Here are the major holidays in Jamaica that you can look forward to when having a vacation in the island.
New Year’s Day
Jamaica Resorts
Jamaicans greet the first day of the year with so much pomp and festivity. People in the island partake in parties and balls as they welcome the following year with the spirit of togetherness and cheer. Also, this holiday is never complete with fireworks displays and New Year countdown parties and shows. Jamaicans are in fact known to celebrate this day with a blast, so if you are in the island, you will surely have it the same.
Accompong Maroon Festival
Maroons are the recent generations of the escaped slaves of Jamaica. Every January 6th, these Maroons commemorate their leader Cudjoe for triumphing over the British during the 1700s. The beatings of maroon drums, blowing of Abeng and marching traditionally to the Kindah tree are just a few of the things to expect during this festival. Traditional singing, dancing, ceremonies and feasts are also enjoyed by both natives and visitors throughout the festival.
Carnival Months
Though February is not marked as a legal holiday in Jamaica, this month is a time when people throughout the Caribbean region consider it as a Carnival month. Gatherings of people, calypso competitions, all-night dancing and numerous fashion shows are held during the month.
In April, starting Easter Day, a similar but a more grand celebration is practiced by Jamaicans. This is Jamaica‘s very own Carnival Month – a time when splendid things happen even in the streets of the island.
Emancipation Day and Independence Day
Emancipation Day is celebrated in Jamaica every first day of August, while the Independence Day is observed during the 6th day of August. Both these holidays are the best times of August in Jamaica. During these holidays, Jamaica hosts varieties of competitions in the culinary arts. People who visit the island during these times privy great beach parties that feature Jamaican culture such as calypso, reggae and soca music.
Christmas Day
Of all the holidays in Jamaica, Christmas is the most renowned and anticipated holiday. Even earlier than December, Jamaican residents festoon their homes with their newest tablecloths and curtains, and colorful Christmas decors. Shops, restaurants and even public places are also ornamented with various holiday banners and decorations that fill Jamaica‘s atmosphere with the spirit of Christmas. Parties, reunions or gatherings, parades, cultural shows, Junkanoo and street dancing and other merrymaking activities happen during the Christmas season. Exchanging presents and big feasts are as well expected during Christmas day.
These are just a few of the interesting holidays in Jamaica. There still a number of them that you can discover as you sail or fly to this secluded Caribbean island. Better yet, one thing is sure – you will definitely have a great time in Jamaica whatever the holiday is.
Festive Holidays Celebrated in Jamaica
Spend your Jamaica holidays in a different light and view, by immersing yourself to their fun and colorful festivities. With the help of travel experts, they can ensure that your stay goes exactly as planned.
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