Celebrations
Jamaicans like to celebrate and that is reflected in the many festivals and events that take place on the island. We celebrate our heroes, our emancipation, our independence, music, food, language, culture, and heritage. Celebrations range in intensity and can be an event to bring awareness or just special days that are earmarked to display all things important to Jamaicans. In these events, the flags and anthem play very significant roles. Jamaicans take pride in giving respect where it is due as well as awarding efforts both publicly and privately. Awards are given to students who have excelled in school, they are given to people in public and private sectors who have made a difference, they are given to people in academics, in science, music, medicine, sports and just about every area of society where people have made a difference. Of course, the ceremonies for these presentations are held on an as needed basis and are sometimes low keyed, but a number of other events are earmarked and celebrated with fanfare, respect, and solemnity. Preparations for these events are year round. Some events are planned by interest groups, organizations, philanthropists and businesses; others are planned as the occasions present themselves while others symbolize the beliefs and customs of the people. Major celebrations such as Independence Day and Heroes Day are sanctioned by the government and are kicked off with speeches and the raising of the flag and are observed as public holidays.Festival and celebrations in Jamaica date back to centuries and were perhaps started as a way of celebrating freedom from slavery. One such festival is the Accompong Maroon Festival, which is held each year on January 6, in Accompong, St. Elizabeth. This is the place where the slaves under the leadership of Cudjoe, settled after escaping from the British. The African traditions are still upheld and practiced in this part of Jamaica. Even though Jamaica has become a mainstream country, the African tradition is reflected in such things as clothes, food, and beliefs that are still practiced today.
Since then, festivals and celebrations have exploded in Jamaica. Each month, one or more events are celebrated. In February, Bob Marley.s legacy is kicked off and is showcased with music and other memorabilia. Next stop is the Hague Agricultural Show and Tourism Expo, which precedes Carnival. This festival barely ends before the Spring Break kicks in and new life is born in Negril and Montego Bay. March is a mellow month and droves of people can be seen flocking the Skazz and Gospel festivals and horticultural shows. April is not without merit and the Trelawny Yam Festival kicks in to high gear. The Jamaican celebrations continue all year round and are only (maybe) halted by the weather, namely; heavy rains. During the rest of the year, there are no shortages of celebrations for such things as music, food, seafood, the Diaspora, reggae, fashion, more agriculture, fishing, deaf dance competition, and Oktoberfest which is a festival held to celebrate Germans in Jamaica.
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