JAMAICA WELCOMES WITH SUN, SEA, SORREL, AND SANTA SIGHTINGS ON THE BEACH
Enjoy the Holiday Vibes in Jamaica this Festive Season
KINGSTON, JAMAICA Dec. 2021 – With a wide range of holiday traditions, Jamaica invites travelers to discover the many ways to celebrate the festive season on the island. “The holidays are the perfect time for a no-worries escape and to experience our distinctive way of celebrating here in Jamaica,” said Director of Tourism, Jamaica Tourist Board, Donovan White. Throughout the season, Jamaicans celebrate in ways that highlight a laid-back island vibe. Travelers can listen to reggae bands playing both traditional and folk songs at beach bonfires, at hotels, or on the street. Many accommodations, restaurants, and street vendors offer up Jamaican holiday food and beverages, such as chocolate tea, black cake, and a refreshing sorrel drink.
Decorations from snowmen made of sand to Christmas trees decked out in Jamaican colors can be found at every turn, adding an extra special dose of cheer. On Christmas Eve, celebrations include the traditional Grand Market, or “Gran Market” as a Jamaican would call it, as vendors set up shop in main squares. Grand Market is held in major towns across the island, and all are invited to join the community in this bountiful market-style shopping experience. Travelers can also see brightly decorated homes draped with “pepper lights” while enjoying the sounds of Jamaican Christmas carols. On Christmas day, visitors can experience a traditional Jamaican Christmas dinner of holiday staples including ham shoulder, gungo peas with rice, and curried goat, with fruit cake soaked in rum for dessert. It is custom to pair this meal with sorrel, the designated Christmas drink, made with hibiscus. The celebration doesn’t stop there, as the famous Junkanoo street parade, originating from Jamaica’s rich African heritage, takes place the day after Christmas. Through the streets of every town and village, the communities dress in extravagant costumes, highlighting popular characters including the Belly Woman, The Horse Head, and ‘Pitchy Patchy’ to name a few. “There’s something for everyone to enjoy during the holidays in Jamaica and that includes a wide variety of accommodations ranging from boutique inns to grand all-inclusive hotels to suit every budget,” said White. “If folks are looking for a holiday experience beyond the ordinary, we’ve got it here.” To learn more about what to do and where to stay on the island this winter, visit www.visitjamaica.com.
About The Jamaica Tourist Board
The Jamaica Tourist Board (JTB), founded in 1955, is Jamaica’s national tourism agency based in the capital city of Kingston. JTB offices are also located in Montego Bay, Miami, Toronto and London. Representative offices are located in Berlin, Barcelona, Rome, Amsterdam, Mumbai, Tokyo, and Paris. This year, the JTB was declared the ‘Caribbean’s Leading Tourist Board’ by the World Travel Awards (WTA) for the 14th consecutive year and Jamaica was named the ‘Caribbean’s Leading Destination’ for the 16th consecutive year as well as the ‘Caribbean’s Best Nature Destination’ and the ‘Caribbean’s Best Adventure Tourism Destination.’ For details on upcoming special events, attractions, and accommodations in Jamaica go to the JTB’s Website at www.visitjamaica.com or call the Jamaica Tourist Board at 1-800-JAMAICA (1-800-526-2422). Follow the JTB on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Pinterest, and YouTube. View the JTB blog at www.islandbuzzjamaica.com.
Entry Requirements:
https://www.visitjamaica.com/travelauthorization/
