Holidays in Jamaica

Jamaica is an island state, a stay in which you can already safely be called a holiday. There is always relaxing music, a peaceful atmosphere, and the locals are always open and friendly.

Official Holidays in Jamaica

Currently, the official holidays of Jamaica are:

• New Year is traditionally celebrated for the whole world on January 1;
• The Jamaican people celebrate the Maroons Day on January 6;
• Bob Marley's Day is February 6;
• The ashen environment is celebrated on February 10;
• Good Friday - March 25;
• Easter, which falls on March 27;
• Easter Monday - on March 28 respectively;
• Labor Day is celebrated on May 23;
• National Bahá'í Day (25 July);
• Day of emancipation the islanders celebrate on August 1;
• Independence Day falls on August 6;
• Day of national heroes - October 17);
• Christmas - as everywhere, on December 25;
• St. Stephen's Day - the day after Christmas, December 26.

In addition, annually at different times in Jamaica, the Bacchanal carnival is held - one of the most important cultural events of the country. It originated in 1989 and since then every time pleases the inhabitants with its cheerful mass processions, bright costumes and incendiary dances.

How are holidays celebrated in Jamaica?

1. On New Year's Eve the island is always bright, fun and truly fabulous. Despite the fact that the country is located in the tropical zone, on this day you can find here many decorated palms, confetti and other New Year's attributes. At night there are parades and festivities, which end with festive fireworks.
2. The Maroon Festival in Jamaica is dedicated to people who fought for the rights and independence of the local population. One of them was Captain Kujoe, known for having vehemently repelled an attack by a British army. On this day throughout Jamaica, carnivals and festivals are held, where people's rites, dances and festivities take place.
3. January 6, the whole country celebrates the birthday of Bob Marley - a famous musician who founded a direction of music, like reggae. During this holiday in Jamaica, music festivals are held on which the songs of this famous artist are performed.
4. Since the celebration of Ash Wednesday (Ash Wednesday) begins the Great Lent. At this time, Christians refuse to eat meat, alcohol and practice bodily restraint. After 1.5 months after it, Good Friday is celebrated, on which people remember the sufferings of Jesus Christ.
5. The Easter holiday in Jamaica marks the end of Lent. Christians gather in churches, rejoice at this bright holiday and treat each other with buns. And Monday, which goes after Sunday Easter, is considered a day off.
6. On Labor Day , which is held on May 23, the people of Jamaica work absolutely for free for the benefit of society.
7. During the holiday of emancipation, the people of Jamaica celebrate freedom from slavery. In 2016, the country celebrated the 182nd anniversary of the official liberation of slaves.
8. One of the most colorful holidays in Jamaica is Independence Day . On this day throughout the country mass festivities are held, parades, festivals and fireworks are arranged. In every city you can see a lot of people, promotional stretches and even buildings, decorated with flowers of the national flag.
9. On the day of the national heroes Jamaica holds solemn processions and parades, on which honorable people celebrate. Among them are the first prime minister of Jamaica Alexander Bustamante, human rights fighter Marcus Garvey, famous performer Bob Marley and Olympic champion Usain Bolt.
10. Christmas , or the holiday of Jonkanu, is celebrated in Jamaica simultaneously with the rest of the Catholic world - December 25. At this time on the streets of cities you can meet a lot of fun people dressed in carnival or masquerade costumes. Throughout the country, parades and various musical performances are held at this time. And after Christmas, residents of the sunny island celebrate St. Stephen's Day, or, as it is called, a day of gifts.