It will possibly not come as a huge surprise to note that many of the big events on this Island revolve around Reggae music!
17 May 2008
What: Bob Marley Week
Where: Kingston – The Bob Marley Museum (and various other venues)
When: February
Why: Including concerts, karaoke concerts and fashion shows, this festival celebrates the life and music of Bob Marley
www.visitjamaica.com
What: Air Jamaica Jazz and Blues Festival
Where: Montego Bay
When: January
Why: Thousands of visitors come to celebrate this major musical event. The Festival was started in 1996 and now draws not only the major Jamaican talent but artists from all over the world. The Art of Music Initiative identifies and assists new talent to make it on the world stage. www.airjamaicajazzandblues.com
What: Reggae Sumfest
Where: Montego Bay
When: July
Why: Featuring artists like MaryJ Blige and LL Cool J the Sumfest has no age requirement and there are no borders as people arrive from around the globe to join in the reggae, dancehall- and just generally having a really good time!
www.reggaesumfest.com
What: Accompong Maroon Festival
Where: Accompong
When: January
Why: Take some wild untamed Indian and African traditions mix in a victory over the British and I would say we have ourselves a party! Celebrated with dancing, singing, feasts, the blowing of the Abeng, playing of the Maroon drums and the roasting of big black male pigs, cooked in large pots and eaten for luck! The Maroons are descendant from the slaves freed by the Spanish who took refuge in Jamaica. They honour their hero Cudjoe for winning the first Maroon War. Although only the Maroons participate in the ceremony of feeding the dead, non Maroons are very welcome to join in the rest of the festivities (which can last for three or four days!)
What: Jamaican Carnival
Where: Kingston, Montego Bay and Ocho Rios
When: April
Why: Carnival took a while to reach Jamaica – but since 1989 when the Oakridge Boys’s Paradise Mas parade took to the streets it has become an institution. The three top Mas Bands have merged since 2001 and Bacchanal Jamaica is now the event leader. The festival roams from Negril, Mandeville, Montego Bay and Ocho Rios with street parades, with the climax of the Adult Road Parade in Kingston.
www.bacchanaljamaica.com/about.htm, www.jamaicacarnival.com
What: Calabash Literary Festival
Where: Treasure beach
When: May
Why: Founded in 2001 by novelist Colin Channer. Transforming literary arts in the Caribbean it is also described as literary nirvana – inspirational performances are not limited to the written word, renowned musicians join authors and poets perform in several themed programs. www.calabashfestival.org