Travelers looking to escape the upcoming frigid temperatures can plan their next trip to Jamaica and experience an extensive list of impressive events. From carnivals and marathons, to heritage festivals and concerts, Jamaica is offering a wide-range of activities over the coming months.
“Our warm weather climate is a tropical getaway during the cold months. In fact we boast a yearlong calendar of events that showcase the best of Destination Jamaica,” said Paul Pennicook, Jamaica’s Director of Tourism. “The events are even more appealing during the winter months as they allow visitors to experience many outdoors activities that they would not normally be able to do during the winter. I invite you to enjoy not just our sunny days but also our warm hospitality.”
Events range from music festivals to cultural activities, all of which capture the island’s rich heritage. The events include the following:
Reggae Marathon, Negril
December 5, 2015
The 15th Annual Reggae Marathon, Half Marathon and 10K, is Jamaica’s premier international marathon event. Pulsating reggae music at each mile keeps participants in an “irie” spirit, as they challenge themselves over distances of 42, 21 and 10 kilometers. The Marathon is operated to world-class standards, with the race set on an International Association of Athletics Federation (IAAF) certified course featuring water/aid stations at every mile. For more information, visit www.reggaemarathon.com
Bacchanal-Jamaica Carnival, Kingston
January 2- April 3, 2016
This event is part of the Bacchanal season that runs through April. Getting its start from the Roman gods from 200 BC, Bacchanal stays true to a festive and free-spirited nature. Visitors can expect to be mingling amongst locals and dancing all morning long with resident and international DJ’s mixing modern and traditional soca and calypso music. The theme and accompanying carnival costumes for the year 2016 will be unveiled at this New Year’s event. For more information, visit: http://bacchanaljamaica.com/
Shaggy and Friends Concert, Kingston
January 2, 2016
International reggae singer Shaggy will stage his biennial “Shaggy & Friends” concert to support the Make a Difference Foundation. Several international and aspiring artists will share the stage with Shaggy as they raise funds for the Bustamante Children’s Hospital and other charities. For more information, visit http://shaggyonline.com/charity.
Accompong Maroon Festival, St. Elizabeth
January 6, 2016
The 277th staging of this festival will once again celebrate the legendary Maroons of Jamaica, African slaves who were freed by the Spanish and took to remote parts of the island for refuge from the English invasion, and to establish settlements. This festival, which dates back to the 19th century, is celebrated with traditional singing, dancing, playing of the drums and blowing of the Abeng (horn). Visitors will also get to sample a variety of food and drink at the newly constructed African-style Bickle (food) Village. For more information, visit: http://www.visitjamaica.com/accompong-maroon-festival
Rebel Salute, Plantation Cove
January 15-16, 2016
What began as a show to commemorate the January 15 birthday of reggae icon Patrick “Tony Rebel” Barrett has become a staple on the live music events calendar. Attendees can truly immerse themselves in Jamaican culture, as authentic Jamaican arts and crafts are also on display and for sale. Rebel Salute has captured the adoration of reggae lovers worldwide and is a celebration of Jamaican roots music. For more information, visit: http://www.rebelsalutejamaica.com/
Reggae Month, Kingston
February 1-28, 2016
Reggae Month brings live music sessions, symposia and events dedicated to honor those who have contributed to the development of this indigenous Jamaican music genre. Experience performances by top reggae acts as well as aspiring artists at varied events in salute of Reggae Month. For more information, visit: http://www.jariajamaica.com/
Jamaica Fat Tyre Festival, Ocho Rios
February 16-22, 2016
This seven-day mountain biking event is an exhilarating voyage that includes lung-busting climbs, technical trail rides, fast descents, double-track and single-track. It has featured some of the world’s top mountain bikers, including Cam McCaul, Kyle Ebbett and Kathy Strand. For more information, visit: http://www.singletrackjamaica.com/fat-tyre-festival/
Paradise Lost, Ocho Rios
March 10-12, 2016
Paradise Lost is a three-day Spring Break music festival on Jamaica’s north coast. Some of the top Electronic Dance Music artists from around the globe will pay tribute to the beauty and history Jamaica, as well its contributions to modern music. In addition to providing fans the opportunity to celebrate with the biggest DJ’s, reggae and pop-music stars in the world, Paradise Lost also offers exciting and fun-filled Spring Break activities including; tours, Parasailing, Banana Boat Rides, beachfront camping, bonfires and fireworks displays. For more information, visit: http://www.paradiselostjamaica.com/
Kingston City Run, Kingston
March 11-13, 2016
The Kingston City Run is an exciting weekend of activities held in the capital city of Kingston each March. The weekend includes a Health and Wellness Fair, musical events and, of course, culminating with the Kingston City Run Half Marathon, 10K and 5K races. The route takes participants past several of Kingston’s historic sites and attractions into Emancipation Park. Best of all, the proceeds are all for charity. For more information, visit: http://kingstoncityrun.com/
ISSA Boys and Girls Championships, Kingston
March 15-19, 2016
The Inter-secondary School Sports Association (ISSA) Boys and Girls Athletics Championships feature competitions for high school girls and boys. The National Stadium in Kingston will be the venue for this annual showcase of track and field excellence. This highly competitive event offers a glimpse of future Jamaica international athletic stars. For more information, visit: http://www.issasports.com/
For more information on how to get away to the Home of All Right during the winter months, go to www.VisitJamaica.com.
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