Jamaica is offering a variety of spring and summer events that will appeal to worldwide visitors of all ages. A wide range of cultural and engaging activities will spice up each season. Soul Rebellion Spring Break Party, Negril (March 17, 24, and April 17) takes place during the Negril Spring Break period. The first party of its kind to hit Negril, Soul Rebellion gives back to the local community while giving visitors concert experiences. Through the "Brick Program", students are able to buy a brick for one dollar to help build schools in the community. During the day, visitors can experience local foods, cultural icons, music and live performances. At night, the event shifts to the Jungle Night Club, where Spring Breakers will break loose to pulsating Reggae Rhythms and party music.
From March 13 to 21 Glory Music will present the 7th staging of the Fun in the Son concert series. Dubbed 'The Premier Christian Festival in the Caribbean', this event transforms Negril, Ocho Rios & Kingston as thousands of Christian youths gather for the international Fun in the Son gospel concert in the island's capital city, Kingston on March 21.
From April 11 to 13 the Trelawny Yam Festival is a cultural, heritage and food festival first initiated at the community level and first celebrated on May 23, 1997. It has become the standard bearer for all local food festivals in Jamaica and boasts a number of events and attractions culminating in a grand festive occasion on Easter Monday each year. These include the Schools' Competition in February and the Farmers' field Celebration and King and Queen Pageant in March.
From May 22 to 24 the Calabash International Literary Festival (www.calabashfestival.org ) will be staged over three days and nights. Patrons will be treated to readings and live music offered free of cost to the public at Jake's Resort on Treasure Beach. Authors and musicians from various countries will read and perform. Some of the authors scheduled to be in attendance include, South African Nobel Laureate Nadine Gordimer, U.S. Poet Laureate Robert Pinsky, and 2008 Pulitzer winner Junot Diaz plus Russell Banks among many others.
The Ocho Rios Jazz Festival (www.ochoriosjazz.com) takes place June 14 to 21 and includes international performers from Europe, the United States and the Caribbean along with renowned Jamaican jazz artists. The Portland Jerk Festival takes place July 5 is one of the biggest celebrations of jerk cuisine, hosted in Portland, known as the "home of jerk." This is an opportunity for visitors to participate in a feast of jerk lobster, fish, chicken and pork, and to enjoy performances by local artists and dancers, art exhibits, carnival rides and face painting.
The Reggae Sumfest (www.reggaesumfest.com), in Catherine Hall, Montego Bay, runs July 19 to 25 and features the top talent in roots, rock and reggae from all over the world. Past performers have included R&B queen Mary J. Blige, LL Cool J, Rihanna, 50-Cent and G-Unit, Missy Elliott, and Morgan Heritage. For more information, call 800-526-2422 or visit www.visitjamaica.com .
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