Annual Events
January
Accompong Maroon Festival,
St. Elizabeth.
Annual celebration of Maroons of Western Jamaica, with traditional singing and
dancing, feasts, ceremonies, blowing of the abeng (cow's horn), playing
of Maroon drums. 876/952-4546. January 6.
Jamaica Sprint Triathlon,
Negril. Hundreds participate in a three-part competition joining swimming,
cycling, and running in one sweat-inducing endurance test. Contact the Jamaica
Tourist Board. Late January.
February
Tribute to Bob
Marley-Symposium in Music,
Ocho Rios. Seminars for students of music. 876/926-5726. First week in
February.
Bob Marley Birthday Bash, Montego Bay. An annual concert that celebrates a
local star. 876/978-2991. February 6.
Reggae Summerfest, Ocho Rios. Annual reggae bash, featuring top reggae
stars. Call 876/960-1904 for dates.
March
Montego Bay Yacht Club's
Easter Regatta.
Annual sailing event of several races staged along the North Coast over a 6-day
period around Easter. ( 876/979-8038). (March or April)
April
Carnival in Jamaica,
Kingston, Ocho Rios, and Montego Bay.
Weeklong series of fetes, concerts, and street parades. Contact local tourist
offices. First week of April.
June
Ocho Rios Jazz Festival,
Ocho Rios and Montego Bay. International performers play alongside Jamaican jazz
artists; other events include barbecues. 888/637-8111 or 876/927-3544 (www.ochoriosjazz.com).
Second week in June.
National Dance Theatre
Company's Season of Dance,
Kingston. Traditional and modern dance, as well as notable singers.
876/926-6129. June through August.
August
Reggae Sunfest,
Catherine Hall, Montego Bay. Annual 5-day music festival. 876/952-0889 (www.reggaesumfest.com).
First week of August.
September
September
Falmouth Blue Marlin
Tournament,
Montego Bay. Very popular locally. 876/954-5934. Late September.
October
Port Antonio International
Fishing Tournament.
One of the oldest and most
prestigious sport fishing events in the Caribbean, with participants from Europe
and North America. 876/927-0145. Mid-October
November
Air Jamaica Jazz & Blues
Festival, Montego Bay. Series of concerts at Rose Hall Great House.
876/952-4425. Third week of November.
December
Motor Sports Championship
Series, Dover
Raceway, St. Ann. Prestigious championship event. 876/960-3860. Early December.