Jamaica’s distinct culture is recognisable around in the world, from our prominent dancehall and reggae music to a mouth-watering array of ‘exotic’ foods. Here’s our recommendation for the best ways to experience the richness of the Jamaican culture:
Reggae Sumfest
Held every year in Montego Bay, Reggae Sumfest is the largest music festival on the island. This high intensity celebration of reggae and dancehall music started in 1993 and continues to grow even after more than two decades. This event showcases a captivating mix of the hottest local artistes while serving as a platform for upcoming local artistes. International artistes from the Hip-Hop, R&B and Rap genres also feature frequently on the line-up. Reggae Sumfest offers a chance to experience the authenticity of Jamaica’s reggae roots which makes it a definite to-do on the entertainment calendar.
Eating street side foods
A simple way to experience Jamaica’s flavourful culture is by eating ‘street side’ foods. Roadside vending is a common characteristic of Jamaican culture especially in resort areas. You’ll find things like roast yam and saltfish, corn soup, crab, puddings, and many other tasty delights. One famous spot is in Middle Quarters, located in the southern parish of St. Elizabeth. The area is famous for street vendors selling peppered shrimp and crayfish, locally referred to as ‘swims’, which are prepared on their roadside grills. A quick stop gives you a chance to buy from and interact with the vendors while enjoying a real Jamaican cultural experience – eating by the side of the road.
Rasta Indigenous Village
With one of the most famous Jamaicans, Bob Marley, as its faithful disciple, Rastafarianism plays a significant role in the country’s culture. If you’ve ever been curious about Rastafari, there are several ways to observe the uniqueness of Rastafarian culture. A visit to the Rastafari Indigenous Village in Montego Bay, St. James offers a glimpse into the daily lives of devotees of the faith. The tour of the village allows one to enjoy a musical performance which incorporates traditional drumming and singing, as well as a tour of the organic garden since veganism is a foundational attribute of the Rastafarian diet. If you wish, you may indulge in one of their Jamaican delicacies or hold a reasoning with a Rasta to meditate and gain insight into the Rastafarian culture and values.
Accompong Maroon Festival
Each year on the 6th of January, the descendants of Maroons in Jamaica celebrate the Accompong Maroon Festival. Based in St. Elizabeth on the island’s South Coast, the Accompong Maroons stage this annual event to commemorate the Peace Treaty signed between the Maroons and British forces in 1739. This festival maintains the culture of Maroon heritage through traditional dances accompanied by drumming, singing, blowing of the abeng (also known as the cow horn), and mento bands. Traditional food and storytelling by Maroon descendants make this quite an eventful experience, and offers a way for Jamaicans to pay homage to the bravery of the Maroon ancestors who stood up to the British invaders.
Trench Town Culture Yard
For serious fans of reggae music, the Trench Town Culture Yard guarantees the ultimate cultural experience. As far as reggae goes, the Trench Town community is where it all started. The Culture Yard, which once served as the creative base of the legendary Bob Marley, now acts as a cultural site and historical museum housing artefacts such as instruments and articles formerly used by Marley himself, as well as reggae greats like Peter Tosh and Bunny Wailers. The tour offers the experience of a true “yaad” encounter and an up-close look at the history and roots of not just reggae, but just how much greatness has emerged from the small community of Trench Town.