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]