There’s no better way to have fun in the Caribbean sun than to schedule your vacation during one of the many Jamaica festivals. Don’t know any good Jamaica festivals? No worries! In this article, we’ll take a look at a few of the best festivals you should seriously consider taking part in. Whether you’re into food, music, or sports, at least one of these Jamaica festivals should pique your interest.
1. Tee Up at Annie’s Revenge Golf
We’ll start our list with one of the most celebrated Jamaica festivals for golf enthusiasts: the Annie’s Revenge Golf. Founded over a decade ago, some tourists consider the Annies Revenge Golf tournament one of the premier Pro-Am team competitions not only in Jamaica, but also in the Caribbean. Usually this tournament is held in Montego Bay’s Hyatt Ziva-Rose Hall where teams have to play roughly 54 holes on White Witch and Cinnamon Hill courses.
The winning team will get serious bragging rights along with the highly coveted Jamaica Pro-Am Championship trophy. This golf festival lasts five days and usually takes place in November.
2. Get Your Groove On at the Bob Marley Birthday Bash
If you’re a fan of Bob Marley’s music (and, let’s face it, who isn’t?), then you need to schedule you’re tour of Jamaica to coincide with Bob Marley’s Birthday Bash in Negril. Dozens of reggae musicians from Jamaica and abroad “get together and feel alright” playing all of Marley’s popular tracks during this festival.
In addition to plenty of live musical acts, you shouldn’t have any difficulty finding special tributes and art exhibits dotted throughout Jamaica celebrating the country’s legendary singer. Usually festivities run from February 1st to the 6th.
Without a doubt, Bob Marley’s Birthday celebration is one of the most popular Jamaica festivals for reggae lovers around the world.
3. Chill at the Ocho Rios Jazz Festival
If you’re more of a jazz person, then you should consider visiting Jamaica during the Ocho Rios Jazz Festival in late May to early June. Although festival organizers work hard to highlight Caribbean jazz artists, this festival includes many big name international acts.
In addition to the live music, Ocho Rios Jazz Festival organizers put together special educational seminars on the history of jazz and host a special Jazz Festival cruise. The Ocho Rios Jazz Festival has been going strong for almost 25 years and shows no signs of stopping anytime soon.
4. Sing Joyful Songs at Fun in the Son
Another one of the top-rated Jamaica festivals dedicated to music is called Fun in the Son. No, that’s not a typo; it’s read Fun in the “Son.” If you couldn’t guess already, this festival is all about showcasing the best in gospel and soul music.
Over the years, Fun in the Son has grown to become one of the Caribbean’s most popular faith-based celebrations welcoming well over 80,000 spectators per year. Founded in 2002, the Fun in the Son festival takes place at the start of July in Kingston’s National Heroes Park.
5. Eat, Drink, and Be Merry at Dream Weekend
One of the hottest summertime Jamaica festivals is Negril’s Dream Weekend. In addition to exciting live music festivals all along Negril beach, the Dream Weekend festival features specialty food vendors, wines, and, of course, Jamaican rum. In fact, Jamaica’s famous Appleton Rum sponsors the Dream Weekend every year.
By the way, Dream Weekend conveniently coincides with Independence Week and usually lasts between July 28th and August 1st. So, while you’re enjoying the music, food, and liquor of Dream Weekend, be sure to be on the lookout for historic festivals.
Shenseea Full Dream Weekend 2023 Performance Jamaica – YouTube
6. Enjoy Exquisite Costumes at Jamaica’s Carnival
Of all the Jamaica festivals, the annual Carnival is probably the most vivid and colorful. Taking place between April 15th and 23rd, Jamaica’s Carnival is most iconic for its parades, which always feature plenty of beautiful women bedecked in brilliant costumes.
Hear the sounds of Soca music and steel drums as revelers march down the streets of big cities like Negril, Montego Bay, and Kingston during this festive season. Sometimes called Bacchanal, the Jamaican Carnival is a major component of Jamaica’s Easter festivities.
7. Sail Away at Montego Bay Easter Regatta
Speaking of important Jamaica festivals during Easter, the Montego Bay Easter Regatta is every seafarer’s dream come true. Locals work hard to create exciting races and opportunities for people bringing their yachts and boats into Montego Bay’s crystal clear waters.
Although this festival starts at the beginning of April, the first main event is an Easter weekend race to Mosquito Cove. Anyone interested in boating can’t ignore a trip to Montego Bay during this time of year.
8. Taste a Jamaican Specialty at Trelawney Yam Festival
So you’ve heard about some of Jamaica’s best music and sporting festivals, but what about the food? OK, relax. We’ve got the foodies covered. First off, anyone looking for a superb food festival should research the Trelawney Yam Festival that takes place every April. If you didn’t already know, yam is a staple of Jamaican cuisine, and there’s no better time to taste this delectable tuber than at this yearly Albert Town event.
About 20,000 people visit the Grand Yam Festival Day every year to sink their teeth into some of the freshest and most succulent yams in the world. There are also many interesting exhibits, impressive live performances, and even a “Best Dressed Donkey” contest for guests to enjoy.
9. Stuff Your Face at Little Ochie Seafood Festival
For those who want a little more than just yams, the Little Ochie Seafood Festival is sure to satisfy your hunger pangs. As the name suggests, this festival takes place at the Little Ochie Restaurant & Bar in Alligator Pond and this festival is all about serving up the best fresh seafood on Jamaica’s southern coast.
Just a few of the traditional Jamaican seafood dishes you’ll find here include grilled snatcher, crab legs, squid, octopus, coconut curry seafood, and conch soup. Don’t forget to get a good-sized side of cassava bread on the side! The Little Ochie Seafood Festival takes place in early July.
Wrapping Up
Believe it or not, we’ve only scratched the surface of excellent Jamaica festivals you can enjoy. Whenever you choose to visit this island nation, you’re bound to be there at a time when something interesting is going on. Be sure to check online before booking your trip to see if there are any thrilling Jamaica festivals slated during your time on this heavenly island.