Jamaica - Opening Hours, Festivals And Holidays

Festival And Events in Jamaica

All Jamaicans enjoy a festival and the island has a number of colourful eventsthroughout each year in which visitors are encouraged to participate. Calendar of Events Month Event January Jamaica’s Carnival starts with the first of a long series of events on New Year’s Day in Kingston. Carnival culminates in May. February Celebrating Bob Marley, a week’s worth of celebration of Bob Marley’s life and work organised by the Bob Marley Foundation.   Every other year, the Pineapple Montego Bay Yacht Race takes place. Yachts race from Florida to Montego Bay. March Miss Jamaica Universe Pageant Carnival continues, mainly in Kingston. April Montego Bay Yacht Club’s Easter Regatta Carnival continues with events in Kingston and Chukka Cove near Ocho Rios. May Carnival culminates with parades in Portland and Montego Bay. June Ocho Rios Jazz Festival – international and home grown artistes perform at venues in Ocho Rios, Montego Bay and Kingston.   Portland Jerk Festival includes dance groups and craft displays accompanying jerk tastings. July Jamaica Spice Food Festival – traditional and contemporary Jamaican fare is offered at venues around Ocho Rios.   Reggae Sunfest – this is the island’s major reggae festival lasting 5 days in Montego Bay. August Jamaican Independence Day Parade – formal parades in Kingston with marching and police bands. September Montego Bay Yacht Club Marlin Tournament. October Columbus Annual Regatta – Puerto Seco Beach.   All That Heritage and Jazz Festival – held in Montego Bay with food, folk culture and musical entertainment provided.   Port Antonio International Marlin Tournament. December Reggae Superjam – top reggae artists performing.