Jamaicans, on July 31, 1838, climbed to the top of hills, gathered in town squares and huddled in church pews to greet the next day, August 1, as a free people. From that day forth, Jamaicans come together on Emancipation Day to celebrate the decree from Queen Victoria that made all slaves free. The festivities begin on the night of July 31 with all-night vigils, games, live music and continue to dawn to recreate the experience of that day of freedom. The most lively events occur in Spanish Town, St. Catherine.
Wear your green, black and yellow--the national Jamaican colors--while celebrating Independence Day on August 6. The Jamaican colony of Great Britain gained their sovereignty in 1962. The largest celebration occurs in Kingston where the National Marching Band pumps music into the air while the Independence Day Float Parade fills the streets. Music, dancing, food and fireworks all celebrate the uniqueness of Jamaican culture.
The Red Stripe Dream Weekend is a hedonistic onslaught of Reggae music, dancing, partying and, of course, plenty of Red Stripe beer. The three-day event occurs in Negril the weekend after Independence Day.
Most people land on Jamaica so they can end up in its azure waters. An endless array of water sports can be found along Jamaica's beaches. You can snorkel and dive in Runaway Bay, drop a fishing line in search of marlin, take a sunset sail, meander down a river on bamboo raft or swim through the tepid waters.
Although many come to Jamaica for the beaches, heading inland offers some exciting cultural and natural attractions. Experience the green clad hills by either zip-lining above or hiking through the jungle. Horseback riding, renting ATVs and jeep safaris tours will get you off your feet and speeding across beaches and jungles.
Jamaica's history is a dramatic, spirited affair. Through slavery and years of oppression Jamaicans have created a culture filled with art, music, food and, most importantly, optimism. Dozens of operators offer Reggae tours that take in the music's history, including Nine Mile, Bob Marley's birthplace. Dozens of museums, mostly concentrated in Kingston and Negril, give travelers an opportunity to view the historical and social importance of this unique island. A diverse nightlife, from sedentary beach bars to pulsating discos, can be found in most tourist areas. One Jamaican experience not to be missed in the food, a culturally diverse fare with indigenous, Spanish, African, British and Indian influences. The most famous Jamaican style is jerked, a process where meat is poked with numerous holes, allowing a mixture of allspice, brown sugar, garlic, pepper, thyme, cinnamon and nutmeg to penetrate.
