Truly a nation “Out of many, One people” Jamaica is a multifaceted mosaic of international customs and traditions. Our ancestors, from Africa, Asia, Europe and the Middle East, have helped to shape our culture, creating one that is uniquely Jamaican. When visiting our island home, take time to experience our culture… it’s what sets us apart from other Caribbean destinations. Reason with a Rastafarian about life, love or politics. Lose yourself in the rhythms and movements of a people who still refuse to be constrained. 

Visit one of our many theatres or stage shows and delight in our performing arts, showcasing everything from Jonkonnu to jazz. Want to dance too? Join in the wild revelry of Carnival and Augus’ Mawnin or just follow the reggae beat, pulsing from street corners and rum bars island wide. After that, share a meal with us –ackee and saltfish with roast breadfruit, escoveitched fish, bammy and festival – our epicurean feasts will tantalize your taste buds.

In Jamaica, you’ll discover new worlds, and familiar ones too, lots to learn about, and even more to love. No wonder we’ve been called ‘the biggest little island in the world…’ It’s a title we can live with.

Holidays - High season in Jamaica runs roughly from mid-December through April. From May through mid-December, you can save from 20% to as much as 40% on rates, more if you use value-oriented travel packagers.

There are several annual events in Jamaica that draw huge numbers of visitors. Air Jamaica's Jazz & Blues Festival is in Montego Bay each January. Reggae Sumfest is usually in late July or early August. The International Marlin Tournament is held in Ochos Rios every October.
The largest island-wide festival is Carnival, which is held in Kingston, Ocho Rios, and MoBay every March and April and in Negril every May.

Holidays
Public holidays include New Year's Day, Ash Wednesday (beginning of Lent, 6 wks before Easter), Good Friday, Easter Monday, Labor Day (May 23), Independence Day (1st Mon. in Aug.), National Heroes Day (Oct. 15), Christmas, and Boxing Day (Dec. 26)
Time - During the winter, Jamaica is on Eastern Standard Time, the same as New York and Montréal. When the United States is on daylight savings time, however, it's 6am in Miami and 5am in Kingston; Jamaica does not switch to DST.