Reggae and jerk food are just some of Jamaica's famous exports celebrated during annual festivals on this large and diverse island.
Bob Marley Week
Feb. 6 is the birthday of legendary reggae singer and activist Bob Marley, and residents of his home country of Jamaica welcome fans from around the world to celebrate his life and work during Bob Marley Week in early February. Events vary from year to year, but in the past have included the Smile Jamaica concert, lectures, karoaoke contests, and more. It's a great time to visit the Bob Marley Museum in Kingston, or to pay respects at Marley's mausoleum in Ocho Rios.Trelawny Yam Festival
The yam may be a terrific tuber, but a whole festival? Jamaica's Trelawny Parish -- located in the Cockpit Country region -- manages to make this much more fun than it sounds, drawing in more than 10,000 attendees each year to feast on yam dishes, honor a yam king and queen, gawk at giant yams, and play yam-related games. And of course there is a concert at the end of Yam Festival Day, featuring the best of Jamaican music.Ocho Rios Jazz Festival
The Ocho Rios Jazz Festival is known as the best mainstream jazz festival not just in Jamaica but the entire Caribbean. In addition to the main festival in Ocho Rios there are a number of free jazz concerts across the island during "Jazz Week" in June.Portland Jerk Festival
© Jamaica Tourist Board
Jerk Lobster, Jerk Conch, Jerk Sausage, Jerk Pork and Jerk Chicken are some of the spicy variants on traditional Jamaican cooking that you can enjoy at the annual Portland Jerk Festival, served alongside traditional side dishes such as rice and peas, festival, breadfruit and yams. Held in the Port Antonio resort area, the festival includes a Kiddies Fun Village, live music (including a big concert at the Folly Mansion ruins), and dozens of stalls selling jerk food (seasoned meat spiced with pepper and smoked on pimento sticks).
Reggae Sumfest
© Jamaica Tourist Board
The summer's hottest reggae festival is appropriately held each July in Jamaica's Montego Bay. The fun starts with a Friday night beach party and continues with three nights of high-energy performances.
