Tainos of Jamaica (Arawaks)

Jamaica was originally inhabited by the Arawak Indians and possible the Taino from South America. The Arawak Indians were a gentle peace loving farming and fishing race. They survive mainly on a diet of maze, cassava, vegetables and fish. They grew cassava (yaca) and maize which were their main staple food which flourish in the humid, wet tropical climate.

From evidence uncovered by Jamaican National Heritage Trust we know that the Arawak Indians were great crafts men. They created intricate basket weaving, pottery, cotton weaving, stone tools, wooden and stone sculpture. There is also evidence that they grew tobacco which they made into cigars that they smoke and trade. Also produce alcohol from fermented corn which they then drank at ritual ceremonies. Jewellery was found that were made of gold, shell, bones and shell.

The demise of the Arawak Indians came shortly after Christopher Columbus landed in Jamaica from Spain 1494. They were not accustom to hard labour and were force to work by the Spaniards. They were never exposed to the European disease such as smallpox and constant attack from the Carib tribe lead to their extinction.

Taken from jamaicascene.com (I do not own the rights to this image)

Why You Should Visit Jamaica

A lot of people have claimed that Jamaica would be the best  Caribbean  island to visit, hands down. Jamaica vacations are jam-packed  with  beautiful attractions and the warmest people. This is why most   travellers and jet-setters would list Jamaica as one of the best   Caribbean travel destinations. If you’re still not convinced, here are   the top five reasons why Jamaica has been dubbed as the best Caribbean   island to visit:

1. Welcoming people. As soon as you land from the  airport, you will immediately be greeted by local Jamaican people   excited to provide you the best Caribbean vacation. The people in   Jamaica are some of the most warm, friendly and hospitable people that   you will ever meet, and because they are used to their island being a   favorite tourist spot, they are more than willing to give you a tour of   the area and show you around.

2. Laid back atmosphere. Jamaica  vacations are not  only popular because of the place; Jamaicans are very  laid-back and  really know how to have a good time. They are very much  into dancing  and music, and even if you have never tried to do any of  those in your  life, you would find all your inhibitions melting away as  you hear the  music playing. I am sure you’ve heard the saying “No  Problem, Mon” –  well it is true, anything you ask for they will respond  with “No  problem”.

3. Great food. In Jamaica you will have some  of the  freshest seafood and meat, and that is because it is coming  directly  from the sea or directly from local farmers. You will see  fishermen  walking along the road with fish that they just caught, you  will see a  farmer bringing in fresh eggs from the farm in the mornings.  You will  see the market overflowing the fruits and vegetables from local  farms.  The spicy curry and jerk seasoning is something that I guarantee  you  will want to take home and make for your family well after your   Jamaican vacation.

4. White sandy beaches. Pristine and exotic  white  beaches are probably one of the most important recipes to the best   Caribbean travel, and a vacation to Jamaica is the place to be. The   water is crystal blue and the beach sand is clean and white. One of the   most beautiful beach areas you can imagine.

5. Great Culture. When you take your vacation in  Jamaica, it is highly recommended to hire  a local tour guide that can  take you around the island to show you the  culture of local Jamaicans.  Learn how they shop for their meat, or buy  their fresh fish. Drink a  coconut by the side of the road. Learn more  about the Rastafarians or  old traditional healing. Make sure to soak in  the culture as well as  the great food.

(Courtesy of http://www.travelmagma.com/jamaica-travel-forum/the-top-5-reasons-why-you-should-visit-jamaica/#.UnJ4E_WqtrM ) 

The Curse of Nancy Davis (Jamaica)

While most people enjoy rafting on the beautiful Rio Grande, many are unaware of its curse. Just a few kilometers from the beautiful rafters stand in Berrydale Portland is a small section of the river known as “Nancy Davis” (Nasty Davis?). Its beautiful and rocky shores attract visitors from all over, however this pristine beauty has a very dark and eerie secret. Legend has it that section of the river is not particularly fond of strangers and if a stranger would like to get familiar with the spirits of the particular section of the river, they will have to visit with someone from the community.  Those who fail to abide by this one rule will drown.

Things To Do In Portland Jamaica.

Few will disagree that the parish of Portland is one of the most beautiful places on the island. With its stunning blue waters, romantic coves, remote white sand beaches, breathtaking panoramic views and some of the best food on the island, Portland has long been a favourite getaway spot for celebrities looking to escape the glare, and couples craving solitude for their honeymoons.
There is no shortage of activities in Portland. Here are some highlights of the area:

BOSTON BAY
Well renowned as “The Jerk Capital of Jamaica”, Boston Bay is not only a tantalizing treat for the taste buds it also appeals to sun bathers and lover’s of water sport. The golden sands and rough waters will tempt you to grab a surfboard and ride the waves, take a lesson in wind surfing, or venture further out to some good snorkeling sites.
Boston Bay is one of the best surfing spots in Jamaica. Boasting the longest history of surfing in the island, locals have been riding the waves here since the 1960′s. The horseshoe-shaped bay works the water both ways depending on the swell direction. The area is also great for body boarding and swimming too, not to mention just relaxing.
When you’re ready for a break from the seaside fun, some of the finest jerk on the island is just steps away roasting away on pimento wood.

FRENCHMANS COVE
Frenchman’s Cove is tucked between two rocky bluffs and consists of a lagoon which meanders around a bar of sand from one direction while the sea barrels in from the other. The beach is pinched between two tiny headlands that are overhung with greenery – giving the beach a luminous green light. You enter through lush gardens, which then open up into a gorgeous secluded beach cove. There is also a fresh water river flowing into the beach.
There’s nothing quite as exhilarating as the water where the river meets the sea and Frenchman’s Cove is one special place where you can enjoy this sensation. It’s combination of beauty, tranquility and seclusion makes it a popular destination for Jamaicans in the know.

SOMMERSET FALLS
Sommerset Falls in Hope Bay, about 10 miles west of Port Antonio is a beautiful cascade where the Daniel’s River plunges down a narrow gorge. The waterfalls are nestled in a lush rainforest and the entire property is an exotic tropical escape.
Once an old sugar plantation that extended from the mountains to the sea, today Somerset is a 97-acre property with a breathtaking garden, complete with ponds and waterfalls. Overflowing with crotons, bamboos, ferns, cocoa plants, indigo and moss-covered trees, the garden grows on the banks of the Daniel River and is home to a collection of exotic birds. A concrete walk to the falls takes you past the ruins of a Spanish aqueduct and Genesis Falls before reaching the Hidden Falls.

To reach Hidden Falls, you board a boat and travel beneath the tumbling water; more daring travellers can swim in a whirlpool or jump off the falls into a pool of water while visiting the caves. Spend the day sunning, relaxing and bathing and diving in picture-perfect 20-foot deep rock pools, or chill out at the seaside/riverside restaurant and bar.

THE BLUE MOUNTAINS
The Blue Mountain range sprawls across the eastern portion of the island for a length of 28 miles and an average width of about 12 miles. It is the most popular area for outdoor enthusiasts in Jamaica.
You can access hiking trails and camping grounds from the Portland side of the range. The forests in the Blue Mountains have more than 800 species of endemic plants, the world’s second largest butterfly, Papilo homerus, 200 species of resident and migrant birds and is one of the largest migratory bird habitats in the Caribbean. There are also more than 500 species of flowering plants of which almost one half are native to Jamaica.
Campgrounds are found in areas supervised by the Forestry Department. An excursion to the peak is an unforgettable experienced, but be sure to make arrangements with an experienced guide.

MAROON TOWN
For centuries during our colonial past a community of African descendants resisted captivity from their strongholds in the mountains. Geography and mutual suspicion kept Maroons isolated from mainstream society for over a century. Their separation made them a time capsule of African traditions that date back to the 16th century.
In Portland, tours are available to the historic Charles Town maroon settlement. The area is the former haunt of national heroine, Nanny. Among the highlights of a visit are the Charles Town Museum and Safu Yard that share the story of Maroon struggles and lifestyle.

Courtesy of  http://jamaica-gleaner.com/pages/experiencejamaica/portland.html

Jamaica On a Budget

Do you spend hours online looking for travel deals to Jamaica?  There are thousands of people dreaming of a wonderful family vacation in the Caribbean, however they are often bombarded with hundreds of expensive hotels and phony travel deals.

Jamaica on a Budget is a new and upcoming travel website created in order to facilitate the needs of the frugal traveler.  We believe that everyone should be able to afford a wonderful vacation to our Island, regardless of their budget.  

Students and individuals of average income will now be able to afford that well deserved vacation that they have been envisioning. We believe that you will benefit tremendously from our website, since it is designed with you in mind.

Jamaica is a beautiful and diverse island with a culture that is second to none and it should be accessible to everyone who wishes to visit and not just be a playground for the rich.  Why should you not be able to visit our award winning beaches, waterfalls and caves? Maybe you can relax on the balcony while you sip on a warm cup of Blue Mountain Coffee, while listening to reggae music playing in the distance.

When you visit our website you will find a wide range of affordable services. We only advertise services that are within an affordable price range, so that you won’t have to shop around looking for affordable deals. We also have a page on our website dedicated to advertising all the free events, services and products on our island. We have the cheapest hotels and services in Jamaica listed on our website, or if you want to rent a car while on vacation, we have that too. You can even rent an apartment and live like a Jamaican if you so desire… whatever it is; we are trying our best to cater to your needs.

We want you to have a blast, we want you to live like a Jamaica or maybe bust a move or two. In order to fully experience our culture I’m its entirety. Take in the sights, sounds and smells, something that you will not experience from being locked behind hotel walls.

Jamaica on a budget will be launched on November 30, 2013. Just in time for the Winter tourist season.

 Forget the stereotypes and come see for yourself.

One Love,

Jamaica.

Photo courtesy of  (Caribbeanway.com) 

Jamaica Annual Events (2013)

Visiting Jamaica?

Here a list of Jamaica’s annual events that you can partake in.  There is always something to do in Jamaica, however most local and cultural events are seldom publicized in the media. Tourists are often locked away on hotel property that they often miss out on what we call the Jamaican experience. This experience can only be gained from going out and about and interacting with the local people.  Some of you might be afraid to visit Jamaica, due to some of the “colourful words” used to describe our island and its people. Despite the stereotypes, Jamaica is still topping the travel award charts yearly.

Here is a list of things for you to do when you visit our wonderful island.

You may see the full copy of the events calendar  here.

http://keepitjiggy.com/other-good-info/jamaica-2012-events-holidays/ 

DATE	EVENT	LOCATION	DESCRIPTION
MAY 2013
1	World Championship of Dominoes	Montego Bay Convention Centre	Dominoes are taken seriously in Montego Bay’s new Convention Centre at Rose Hall for the annual World Championship of Dominoes. Individuals and teams from around 30 countries participate.
23	Labour Day		PUBLIC HOLIDAY
23	Manchester Horticultural Society Flower Show	Showgrounds, Ward Avenue, Mandeville, Manchester	This horticultural society has met for 130 years and celebrates Spring with this well-respected flower show and competition.
Not being held in 2013	Treasure Beach Bread Basket Festival	Two Seasons Guest House, Taino Cove Guest House, Frenchman’s Reef Restaurant, Jack Sprat, Sunset Resort and Villas, Calabash House, Treasure Beach, St Elizabeth	The Treasure Beach Bread Basket Festival replaces the Calabash International Literary Festival that ran from 2001-2010,  offering  cultural, culinary, musical, literary and visual art events at various locations. [Treasure Beach Bread Basket Festival]
Not being held in 2013	Calabash Literary Festival	Treasure Beach, St. Elizabeth	A three-day festival of readings and music with other forms of storytelling folded in the mix, Calabash is earthy, inspirational, daring and diverse. It’s the only annual international literary festival in the English-speaking Caribbean. All festival events are free and open to the public. [Last held May 25-27, 2012] [Calabash]
JUNE 2013
2	6th Annual Portland Curry Festival	Shan Shy Beach, Port Antonio, Portland	All-day family event highlighting Jamaica's fabulous curried chicken, goat, shrimp, lobster and fish, with dozens of reggae artists to entertain. [Portland Curry Fest or on Facebook]
6-10	Caribbean Fashion Week	National Indoor Sports Centre, Independence Park, Kingston	The region's largest, most recognized and internationally respected fashion event. 10+ shows featuring around 50 designers from 25 countries. Entertainment at nightly After Parties.  [Fashion Week]
8-16	23rd Annual Jamaica International Jazz Festival	Sunset Jamaica Grande Resort, Ocho Rios, Jamaica (& more events islandwide)	Features internationally renowned performers from the island itself and around the world. [Jazz Fest]
TBA	5th Annual Maroon Quao Day Celebrations	Asafu Yard, Charles Town, Portland, Jamaica	Cultural performances in the Maroon tradition including dancing, drumming, singing, poetry and storytelling, the blowing of the abeng and fashion shows highlighting the African mode of dress and clothing designs. It features such attractions as food and beverage stalls, art and craft booths, river bathing at Quao Village, the Asafu Museum tour, among other things. [Last held June 24, 2012][Maroons]
JULY 2013
1	International Reggae Day	Islandwide	Jamaicans proudly sport reggae-colored clothes, blast the laid-back music out, drink Red Stripe beer and emanate peace and love. [Reggae Day]
7	Portland Jerk Festival	Folly Oval, Port Antonio, Portland	The aroma and sizzle of traditional Jamaican jerk chicken, pork, fish and lobster fills Port Antonio's Folly Estate at the annual Portland Jerk Festival. Local bands play, with cultural and popular entertainment throughout the day and evening. Craft vendors and plenty of activities for the kids. [Portland Jerk Festival or Facebook]
13	Little Ochi Seafood Carnival	Little Ochie, Alligator Pond, Manchester	A celebration of seafood and music that entertains crowds of up to 6,000 through to the early hours. The food is varied and delicious. The music comes courtesy of big name bands.
13	Caribbean Shrimp Festival	Whittier Village Center, Montego Bay	Tuck into shrimp fried rice, peppered shrimp, curried shrimp and other tantalising dishes at the yearly Caribbean Shrimp Festival in Montego Bay’s Whitter Village Center. The Dad’s Cook-Off, arts and crafts show and bikini pageant also celebrate all things shrimp.
15	St. Mary Breadfruit Festival	Ben's World Farm Pen, Jeffrey Town, St. Mary	a wonderful opportunity to meet the community of Jeffrey Town, located in St. Mary's lush, green hills, and sample the amazing variety of dishes made from breadfruit [St Mary Breadfruit Festival]
21-27	Reggae Sumfest 2013	Catherine Hall, Montego Bay, St James	World-renowned performers take to the stage for a series of parties and gigs in Montego Bay at Jamaica's Reggae Sumfest, the reggae event of the summer. [Sumfest]
20 - 22	Makka Pro Surf Contest	Southaven, Yallahs, St Thomas	Jamaica's biggest and ONLY Pro Surf Contest with the region's top professional surfers facing off for over US$10K. Attracts wave-worshipers from Jamaica, the Caribbean, USA and other corners of the world. [Makka Pro]
AUGUST 2013
1	Emancipation Day		PUBLIC HOLIDAY
1	Seville Emancipation Jubilee	Seville Great House, Heritage Park, St Ann	This festival is an amalgamation of Jamaican folk forms in celebration of African ancestors and their contribution to Emancipation. The all-night party is held at the end of July in Ocho Rios, and coincides with the anniversary of the abolition of the transatlantic slave trade. The Seville Heritage Park is transformed into an atmosphere of festivity encompassing African culture
1-5	Reggae Film Festival	Island Village, Ocho Rios, St Ann	Attracts productions from around the world whose films depict aspects of Jamaican culture, music and history and the ways in which this music culture has impacted the world. [Reggae Film Fest]
1-6	Smirnoff Dream Weekend	Negril, Westmoreland	More great parties in Negril. Premium all-inclusive event, complete with parties created by the Dream Team. Held on independence weekend, it has been a part of the Jamaican entertainment calendar for the last 10 years. [Dream Weekend]
1-6	ATI Weekend	Negril, Westmoreland	The original series of sizzling parties at various venues in Negril.[ATI]
2-3	International Reggae Wine Festival	Secrets Hotel/Resorts Beach Club, Montego Bay	The festival will feature wine purveyors, some of the best Reggae artistes, fashion show, arts & craft, attracting wine lovers from all over the world.
3-6	Denbigh Agricultural & Industrial Show	Denbigh Showground, May Pen, Clarendon	The most celebrated agricultural show in Jamaica. The show features outstanding livestock, agricultural, horticultural and food exhibits from all 14 parishes. [Denbigh Ag Show]
6	Independence Day		PUBLIC HOLIDAY
7	Falmouth Blue Marlin Tournament	Falmouth, Trelawny	Falmouth gets very excited about one of Jamaica's favorite fish at the annual Blue Marlin Tournament. The competition is a big deal in the local area and attracts anglers from home and abroad
18	Bath Food Festival	Bath Botanical Garden, Bath, St Thomas	The Bath Botanical Gardens are the second oldest in the western hemisphere. Live music, poetry, the Parade of the Re-enactment of the First Planting, drumming and Kumina dancing all celebrate the humble breadfruit at Bath's annual Breadfruit Festival held annually on Independence Day.
TBA	Annual Ocho Rios Seafood Festival	Turtle River Park, Ocho Rios, St Ann	Aside from the great seafood, the festival is a day-night affair and has a family-oriented theme throughout. There is a children area with swings, rides and bounce-about, while the rest of the park is decorated with food stalls and display booths.
TBA	Mello-Go-Roun'	National Arena, Independence Park, Kingston	This festival of performing arts showcases the nation's best talent. The annual event includes a variety concert, traditional dances such as the Maypole and Quadrille and different forms of folklore. The event takes place in Kingston in August, and attracts a large following of all ages.[Mello-Go-Roun']
TBA	2nd Annual Boscobel Jamaica Air Show	Ian Fleming International Airport & Rio Nuevo Village, Boscobel, St. Mary	In keeping with Jamaica's 50th Anniversary celebration, the Caribbean Aviation Training Center presents their 2nd annual air show. Great fun for all ages.[Air Show]
SEPTEMBER 2013
14 TBC	Montego Bay Yacht Club Fishing Tournament	Montego Bay Yacht Club, Montego Bay, St James	Being the oldest competitive fishing event in Jamaica, the Montego Bay Yacht Club takes pride in hosting the event again as all avid sports fishing anglers are invited to join in at this exciting event. [MBYC Fishing Tourney]
29-10/7	Octoberfest	Alhambra Inn, Kingston	This annual German festivity celebrates its 32 years in Jamaica with lots of prizes and surprises, games and specialty German foods, different types of German beers, German white and red wines and Schnapps.
OCTOBER 2013
10-13 TBC	49th Annual Port Antonio International Marlin Tournament	Errol Flynn Marina, Port Antonio, Portland	Anglers from all over the world strive to catch the biggest marlin at Jamaica's thrilling Port Antonio Blue Marlin Tournament at the Errol Flynn Marina. [Errol Flynn Marina]
13-15	9th Annual South Coast Hook N' Line Canoe Tournament	Treasure Beach, St Elizabeth	A 3-day competition during which local fishermen vie for prizes by catching the largest fish using only the traditional fishing method of a simple hook and line. The weekend also includes other exciting events, such as a boat race, local talent show, fish fry and community beach party. [Hook N' Line]
13-15	Michael Holding Masters Cricket Tournament	Sabina Park, Kingston & Trelawny Stadiums	This is a 45 and over cricket tournament where by players are hosted from Jamaica and other countries such as USA, Antigua, Barbados, Bermuda, Canada, Scotland, Guyana and Trinidad.
15	National Heroes' Day		PUBLIC HOLIDAY
NOVEMBER 2013
13-20	Jamaica Restaurant Week	Kingston, Montego Bay, Ocho Rios	The island's finest restaurants tempt diners with discount prices on three-course dinners. [JA Restaurant Week]
14-18	7th Annual Jamaica Invitational Pro-Am	Iberostar Grand Hotel, Montego Bay	The event includes an 18-hole pro-am and 54-hole stroke play tournament where golf professionals from the U.S., Canada, Europe, Latin and South America and the Caribbean compete for the Jamaica Open trophy and cash prize. Cash prizes are awarded to the top 50% of the professional field as well as the top performing senior professionals [Jamaica Pro-Am]
30-12/2	Rally Jamaica	Kingston	Ear-splitting screeches and the throaty revving of engines deafen spectators standing around loose-gravel stages in Kingston at the annual Rally Jamaica, organized by the Jamaica Millennium Motoring Club. (Last held 12/3- 12/5/2010) [Rally JA]
DECEMBER 2013
7	International Reggae Marathon	Long Bay Beach Park, Negril, Westmoreland	:Come for the run, stay for the fun." Mellow Negril gets surprisingly active at the annual Reggae Marathon. Competitors take on either the full marathon or half marathon. [Reggae Marathon]
5-9	Annie's Revenge	Iberostar Grand Hotel, Montego Bay	Jamaica's largest international Pro-Am, sponsored by the Jamaica Tourist Board and NIKE Golf, has quickly become one of golf's most popular winter tournaments with teams consisting of players from the U.S., Canada, Europe and the Caribbean. The field is open to teams consisting of a PGA or LPGA Golf Professional, Assistant Professional, or Teacher and three (3) amateurs. [Annie's Revenge]
25	Christmas Day		PUBLIC HOLIDAY
26	Boxing Day		PUBLIC HOLIDAY
26	Sting	Jamworld, Portmore, St Catherine	Eagerly anticipated as the greatest reggae/dancehall festival each year, Sting is the biggest one night show.  Traditionally held on Boxing Day.
31	Harbour Fest & Fireworks on the Waterfront	Downtown Harbour, Kingston	Pride-filled Jamaicans from across the island, ring in the New Year with the phenomenal fireworks display on the Downtown Harbour. This free event features a Kiddies village, a massive craft vendors’ arcade and great family entertainment on stage.
TBA	Grosvenor Galleries Christmas Art & Craft Fair	1 Grosvenor Terrace, Kingston 8	Mix of fine art, craft, clothing, ceramics, photography, jewelry (both locally handmade and imported).
TBA	Christmas Country Fair	Hotel Mockingbird Hill, Port Antonio, Portland	All-day affair represents a great opportunity to stock up on unique and authentic Christmas presents. [Hotel Mockingbird Hill]
TBA	JDF Annual Air Carol Service	Number One Hockey Field, Up Park Camp, Kingston	Jamaica Defence Force's annual open-air festival of holiday music. Appreciative audiences sing along, filling the December night with songs of praise and worship. [JDF]
TBA	Kumba Mi Yabba Craft Fair	Ranny Williams Entertainment Centre, Hope Road, Kingston	Large open-air holiday craft fair showcasing a wide range of authentic Jamaican products, including ceramic items, paintings, carvings, household accessories, aromatherapy items, clothing, accessories and local cuisines.
TBA	Association of Jamaica Potters Arts & Crafts Fair	Forestry Department grounds, 173 Constant Spring Road, Kingston 8	Items by local artists including paintings, prints, sculpture, jewelry, candles, handmade soaps, castor oil products, straw hats and bags.
TBA	Market on the Lawn Christmas Fair	North lawn of Devon House, Waterloo Rd., Kingston	Big holiday open-air art and craft market. [Market at the Lawn]
TBA	Jamaica Curry Festival	Turtle River Park, Ocho Rios, St Ann	The Curry Festival showcases the creativity of local chefs who  craft a variety of dishes, using the featured spice – curry. Attendees also learn about the history and origin of curry, and multiple ways curry can be used for medicinal purposes. Top music entertainment; enjoy cultural performances and activities for children.
JANUARY 2014
1	New Years Day		PUBLIC HOLIDAY
4-6 TBC	273nd Annual Accompong Maroon Festival	Accompong, St Elizabeth	Celebrated by the Maroons of Western Jamaica, the descendants of runaway slaves. The festival features the traditional dancing, singing, Maroon feast and ceremonies.
18	20th Annual Rebel Salute	Port Kaiser Sports Club, St Elizabeth	Jamaican premier Rasta-centric roots reggae festival with no alcohol, no meat, lots of smoke, and great music. [Rebel Salute]
24-26	Jamaica Jazz & Blues Festival	Greenfield, Trelawny	High-caliber musicians bring the house down for the annual week long festival of R&B, Jazz, Blues, Reggae, Latin and other music types. [Jazz & Blues]
27 TBC	29th Annual JSP High Mountain Coffee 10K & 5K Road Race	Mandeville, Manchester	A challenging and extremely popular race, starting at the overhead bridge in Williamsfield. [High Mtn 10K]
FEBRUARY 2014
3-6	Bob Marley Birthday Celebrations	Islandwide	Stage shows, exhibitions and other events at various locations around the island to celebrate the birthday of the reggae giant
13	Ash Wednesday		PUBLIC HOLIDAY
13	57th Annual Hague Agricultural Show	Hague, Trelawny	Gives the farmers of Trelawny an opportunity to showcase their produce. (Always held on Ash Wednesday)[Hague Show]
17	Fi Wi Sinting	Somerset Falls, Hope Bay, Portland	Annual celebration of Jamaica’s rich African heritage. The largest African History Month event in Jamaica with a art/craft marketplace, great food, traditional music and dance. [Fi Wi Sinting]
TBA	Carnival	Events take place islandwide throughout the season	Reggae and soca music give Jamaica Carnival, known as Bacchanal, its true Caribbean flavour and electric atmosphere
TBA	Jamaica Fatta Tyre Biking Festival	St Mary & North Coast	Week-long mountain biking extravaganza that highlights Jamaica's unique, vibrant culture and awesome trails. [Fat Tyre Fest]
MARCH 2014
3	Misty Bliss	Holywell Recreation Area, Blue Mountains	Celebrates the natural and cultural resources of the Blue and John Crow Mountains National Park. This is a cultural festival featuring traditional Jamaican music, dance, Maroon drummers, 'old time' Jamaican foods such as jerk pork, crayfish rundown, roast yam, dukunno and chocolate tea, a marketplace with fresh produce, craft items and tree seedlings, and activities for the kids.[Misty Bliss]
6-9	Elasha Springfest	Negril, Westmoreland	Week-long event utilizes multiple venues across Negril for concerts, fun events, ministry and witnessing activities. Dubbed “the ultimate spring break experience”, the festival will see performances from local and international gospel artistes.
23-24	Jamaica Orchid Society Show	Jamaica Horticultural Society's Exhibition Hall, Gibson Drive, Hope Pastures, Kingston	Stroll amid a stunning array of exotic orchids of various shapes, sizes and colors. The Jamaica Orchid Society organizes this annual event to celebrate the beauty and variety of these gorgeous blooms. Plant enthusiasts visit the show to judge the winners. [Orchid Show]
28-3/31	Montego Bay Yacht Club Easter Regatta	Montego Bay Yacht Club, Montego Bay, St James	Exciting, fun cruises and yacht races. Join in or watch from the harbour. [Easter Regatta]
29	Good Friday		PUBLIC HOLIDAY
31	Boston Jerk Festival	Boston Community Centre, Boston Bay, Portland	Portland is pleased to be hosting the Tropicana Tropics Boston Jerk Festival as it is only befitting that the biggest jerk festival in the country is being held at the true authentic home of jerk, which is Boston. [Read our post for more info]
APRIL 2014
1	Easter Monday		PUBLIC HOLIDAY
1	Jamaica International Kite Festival	Seville Heritage Park, Priory, St. Ann	Held on Easter Monday for the last 10 years, this is one of the most popular festivals with fun stuff for kids, contests for the adults and always a great line-up for the evening musical entertainment. [Read our post for more info]
1	St. Elizabeth Horticultural Society Annual Flower Show	Independence Park, Black River, St Elizabeth	Held on Easter Monday since 1963, this is one of the most popular flower shows, with beautiful displays, plants on sale, live steel band and marching band music, fun stuff for kids
1	Montpelier Agricultural Show	Montpelier Show Grounds, St James	An opportunity for hard working farmers to showcase their work. Lots of entertainment and Kids Village. [Montpelier Ag Show]
1	St Mary Agri-Expo	Gray's Inn Sports Complex, Annotto Bay, St Mary	Second largest of Jamaica's agricultural events. Highlights agriculture, agro-processing & environmental practices. Champion Farmer competition. [St Mary Ag Expo]
3-18	Jamaica Cricket Festival	Greenfield Stadium. Falmouth, Trelawny	National cricket teams, from Ireland to Canada and the West Indies, play against Jamaica at the annual Jamaica Cricket Festival. Events also take place in other places islandwide
13	St. Ann Agri-Expo	Addison Park, Brown's Town	Highlights agriculture, agro-processing & environmental practices. Champion Farmer competition.
20	Jake's Treasure Beach Off-Road Triathlon	Jake's At Treasure Beach, Treasure Beach, St Elizabeth	The Jamaicans might have a reputation for being laid-back, but Jake's Off-Road Triathlon on Treasure Beach contradicts this with its grueling 500-meter swim, 25km mountain bike ride and 7km country run. Both individuals and relay teams can participate. [Jake's Triathlon]
21	Liguanea Festival of Fine Art & Photography	Liguanea Plaza, Matilda’s Corner, 134 Old Hope Road, Kingston	10:00AM-8:00PM. Jamaica's largest outdoor exhibition of the arts, featuring displays of photography, drawing, painting, sculpture, ceramics and jewelry from Jamaica's best artists. Entertainment and a wide selection of food and drinks on sale. Free admission and parking. [Liguanea Festival]
25	Trelawny Yam Festival	Albert Town Square, Trelawny	Nobody pays homage to the yam quite like the Jamaicans. Explore the diverse delights of this humble root vegetable at the Trelawny Yam Festival.
28	Westmoreland Curry Festival	Mannings School, Savanna-la-Mar, Westmoreland	Regarded as the biggest leading annual curry food show in the Caribbean. Over 15,000 patrons attend the event. There a gamut of cultural culinary influences carried over from the history of the Amerindians, West Africa, and Spanish, French, East Indians, Portuguese, Dutch, English, Lebanese and East Indians are normally displayed. Good food and entertainment. [Westmoreland Curry Fest]