Jamaican Me Want to Celebrate...

Jamaica celebrates their diverse heritage and background in many different ways. One of the many things they celebrate just happens to be their cuisine. These are just a few of the food related celebrations that the people of Jamaica celebrate.
                                                  To start off you can get your buzz on, every fall in Kingston. However, I am not talking about Alcohal. The Jamaican Coffee Festival celebrates the rich, agricultural tradition of coffee in Jamaica. You'll have an intense caffeine high after you finish tasting all the free samples. Merchants and farmers supply a variety of coffees, hot beverages and related foods.("Events and Festivals" 2004)

The Heritage Fest, is also held annually each fall in Kingston. The festival celebrates and explores the diversity of Jamaica's population through food, dance and music. From Lebanese dancing to Indian Curry to Chinese fortune telling, Heritage Fest pays tribute to all of the diverse ethnicities that make up the Jamaican people.("Events and Festivals" 2004)
                                                The Accompong Maroon Festival happens annually on Jan. 6, the birthday of Captain Cudjoe, the man responsible for defeating the English army and forged a peace treaty with the British about 200 years ago. The festival pays homage to the Maroons, “featuring traditional dancing and singing, a fantastic feast, the blowing of the Abeng horn, and playing of the Maroon war drums”(“Events and Festivals” 2004). The festival, located in the Maroon village, Accompong, celebrates an important part of the cultural and historical heritage of Jamaica.("Events and Festivals" 2004)
                                                                                                   The celebrations do not stop there. The Trelawny Yam Festival, each Easter Monday, makes yams more fun than you ever thought possible. Located in Albert Town's main square there are samples, games, and entertainment all in honor of the yam. In August, Bath annually honors the Breadfruit. The festival includes poetry readings, live music, and a reenactment of the first planting of the breadfruit tree (engrossing I am sure). Another food based celebration is the All Jamaican Grill-Off, located in Kingston's Hope Gardens it happens annually in June. Teams of local grill masters compete to cook the best piece of meat. If you are a fan of jerk, the food that is, Portland Jerk Festival takes place in July. Festival goers can sample Jamaican jerk and enjoy carnival rides and live music.(“Events and Festivals" 2004)           

     Works Cited

"Events and Festivals in Jamaica." Jamaica Guide - Culture, History, Vacations, Travel, and More. N.p., 2004. Web. 3 Dec. 2011. <http://jamaica-guide.info/activities/events.and.festivals/>.