Jamaica Flag
Why visit Jamaica?
Offers miles of coastline white sand beaches, caves, hiking, horseback riding, mountains, river rafting, scuba diving, reggae and snorkeling. Rich in history, stunning landscapes and influential culture. Well known for all-inclusive resorts, honeymoon and wedding destination.
Emancipation Park, Kingston, Jamaica. Photo Credit: Graka M/Pixabay
At a Glance
- Souvenirs to Buy: Art, coffee, embroidery goods, fabrics, gemstone jewelry, leather goods, mahogany goods, musical instruments, reggae music, rum, shells, spices, and woven straw baskets.
- Local Cuisine to Try: Bammy (flatbread). Bulla Cake (molasses cake). Callaloo (vegetable dish). Escoveitch (fish). Gungo (soup). Janga (soup). Jerk Spiced Meats.
- Local Drink to Try: Pimento dram (liqueur). Tia Maria (liqueur). Real Rock (beer). Red Stripe (beer). Sangster's (rum cream). Tia Maria (liqueur). Ting (soft drink).
Photo Credit: morrisync/Pixabay
History
- In 1494 Christopher Columbus claimed the island for Spain.
- In 1655, English took control of the island after many battles with Spain (since 1660).
- In 1782, the first mango plants were introduced to Jamaica after being captured on the high seas on their way from India to the West Indies by Lord Rodney's ship H.M.S. Flora.
- In 1807, slavery was abolished.
- In 1871, United Fruit Company was established by Yankee Skipper, Lorenzo Baker.
- In 1946, actor Errol Flynn purchased hundreds of farmland acres.
- In 1962, they won full independence from Great Britain.
Photo Credit: 12510kid/Pixabay
Fun Facts
- Tourism is the largest island industry.
- A leader in sugar exporting.
- Highest point, Blue Mountain Peak (7,402 feet).
- The third largest island of the Greater Antilles.
- Many Jamaicans are "Ras Tafari", a religious and political movement known for dreadlocks, reggae music, vegetarianism and belief ganja (marijuana) is sacred.
- Much of the island is capped by limestone.
- Gasoline is expensive.
- Doctor's Cave Beach earned it's name after a physician donated his beach property to form a Swim Club.
- Goldeneye is the former residence of Ian Fleming. While you may not recognize his name, you will know his accomplishment; the creator of James Bond.
- Firely former home to British author and actor, Noel Coward. Famous guests like Princess Margaret, the Queen Mother and Winston Churchill have stayed there.
- Movies which may inspire your visit: 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea, Blue Lagoon, Clara's Heart (featuring Whoopi Goldberg and Neil Patrick Harris) filmed at Trident Villas (1988), Cocktail, Cool Runnings (1993), Dr. No, Island in the Sun, (1990) Live and Let Die, Lord of the Flies in Frenchman's Cove, Mighty Quinn, Return to Treasure Island, The Black Swan (1942), The Harder They Come (1972), The Mighty Quinn (1989) and Wide Sargasso Sea.
- Books to read: Book of Famaica (written by Russell Banks 1996), Captain Blood (written by Rafael Sabatini 1996), How Stella Got Her Groove Back (written by Terry McMillan 1996), Wide Sargasso Sea (written by Jean Rhys 1992).
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Harry Belafonte, singer of Banana Boat Song (Day-O) is said to be inspired by the chants of men and women as they loaded bananas onto boats at Boundbrook Wharf in Port Antonio.
- Cinnamon Hill, (North Coast Highway near Greenwood) was the home of country singer, Johnny Cash.
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Listed in Guinness World Records as having more churches per square mile/kilometer than any other country.
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National motto, "Out of Many, One People" reflects the island's rich and diverse heritage.
Negril, Jamaica. Photo Credit: ScalexCZ/Pixabay
Special Holidays/Occasions
- Annual Events: (January) Accompong Maroon Festival, Air Jamaica Jazz & Blues Festival, Sprint Triathlon, (February) Bob Marley Birthday Bash, Bob Marley Week, Reggae Summerfest, (March) ISSA Boys & Girls Championships, Jamaica Blue Mountain Coffee Festival, Kiteboard World Cup, March Spring Break, (April) Carnival, Cycle Jamaica Runaway Bay, Montego Bay Yacht Club's Easter Regatta, Treasure Beach Off Road Triathlon, (May) Calabash International Literary Festival, StyleWeek Jamaica & Fashion Block, (June) Caribbean Fashion Week, Kingston on the Edge Urban Art Festival (KOTE), Ocho Rios Jazz Festival, (July) Little Ochi Seafood Carnival, National Dance Theatre Company's Season of Dance, Reggae Sumfest, (August) Absolute Temptation Isle, National Independence Float Parade & Grand Gala, Red Stripe Dream Weekend, (September) Falmouth Blue Marlin Tournament, (October) Port Antonio International Fishing Tournament, and (December) Motor Sports Championship Series.
- Holidays: New Year's Day, Ash Wednesday, Good Friday, Easter Monday, Labour Day, Emancipation Day, Jamaican Independence Day, Heroes' Day, Christmas, and Boxing Day.
Black River, Jamaica. Photo Credit: Fitzroy Chedda/Pixabay
Good to Know
- Annual Events: Accompong Maroon Festival, Air Jamaica Jazz & Blues Festival (January), Carnival, Celebrating Bob Marley Festival (February), Oco Rios Jazz Festival (June) and Raggae SumFest (August).
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"Sleeping Policemen" are referred by locals but best known to travelers as speed bumps.
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Unless you're a member of the military, do not wear camouflage clothing; it's illegal!
- Given their manta "no problem, mon" do be mindful you're on island time.
- Avoid walking or driving at night.
- Tourism industry is unevenly regulated and inspections do not commonly occur.
- Avoid public buses.
- Strictly forbids importing or possessing firearms.
- Carrying knives, mace, and/or pepper spray without authorization will lead to arrest.
- Homosexuality is forbidden and punishable of up to 10 years in prison.
- Medical care is limited and does not meet our Western standards.
- EpiPens are not available anywhere on the island.
- Prevalent Diseases: Dengue & AIDS/HIV.
- Seat belts are mandatory.
Hurricane Season is June - November.
- Coolest Season: January
- Humid & Hottest: June
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Peak Season: Mid December – Mid April
- Rainy Season: May - June and September - November
- Shoulder Season: Early November - December and Mid April
Dunn's River Falls, Ocho Rios, Jamaica. Photo Credit: neufal54/Pixabay
Your Must-See & Do
Historical Sites: Devon House, Port Charles, Port Royal and Rose Hall Great House.
Museums:
Archaeological Museum, Bob Marley Museum, Hanover Museum, National Museum Jamaica, Natural History Museum of Jamaica, People's Museum of Craft & Technology, Peter Rosh Museum, Reggae Walk of Fame & Museum, Trench Town Culture Yard Museum and Turtle Museum.
Popular Attractions:
Blue Mountains, Doctor's Cave Bathing Club, Dolphin Cove Ochos Rios, Dunn's River Falls, Green Grotto Caves, Hope Botanical Gardens, Jamaica House, Martha Brae River, Montego Bay, King's House, Mayfield Falls, Negril, Ocho Rios, Port Antonio, Rick's Cafe, Rose Hall Plantation, Royal Navy Hospital, Seven Mile Beach, Shaw Park Gardens, Treasure Beach, Treasure Hunt Gaming and YS Falls.
Ocho Rios, Jamaica. Photo Credit: Ivan Zalazar/Pixabay
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All information deemed reliable but not guaranteed. Subject to change without notice.
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