A practical guide to Jamaica
National holidays and celebrations
Besides the usual Christian holidays at Easter and Christmas, Jamaica enjoys several national holidays and key events throughout the year:
• New Years' Day: 1st January.
• Polo Season: From January to August.
• Accompong Maroon Festival: 6th January. Commemorates the birthday of the national hero, Captain Cudjoe.
• High Mountain Coffee 10k: January. A popular annual road race.
• Jamaica Jazz and Blues Festival: January or February.
• Bob Marley Birthday Celebrations: 5th February.
• Jamaica Fat Tyre Festival: February. Week-long mountain biking extravaganza.
• Fi Wi Sinting: February. Celebrates African history and Jamaican traditions.
• Labour Day: 23 May.
• Emancipation Day: 1st August.
• Independence Day: 6th August.
• National Heroes Day: 18th October.
Eating Out
Jamaica's cuisine is popular across the world and has been influenced by the many cultures and cuisines that have converged here, including Spanish, African, Indian, Chinese and British.
Most hotels have Jamaican themed restaurants where you can sample local fare. For authentic dining, we love Jamaica's local restaurants where specialities such as 'callaloo' (fried dumplings), curry goat, ackee and salt fish are some of our favourites.
The 'Jerk spiced' flavouring used in meat and fish, is particularly popular with international visitors but we also recommend trying the lesser known 'Pickapeppa Sauch' and stopping at local street vendors for delicious pasties and roast breadfruit.