What do Jamaicans do on Christmas Eve?

In Jamaica, on Christmas Eve the 'Grand Market' happens. It is a really exciting time, especially for children. In every town and city there is a cross between a festival and a market. During the day, people go shopping for Christmas foods, sweets and toys, etc.

Do Jamaicans give gifts on Christmas?

Many Jamaicans do exchange Christmas gifts, especially for children. The idea of the “Naughty or Nice List” does work wonders with Jamaican children, just as it does elsewhere in the world.

What is Jamaica's Christmas dish?

What is the Christmas treat in Jamaica?

Jamaican Christmas Fruitcake

The red wine rum fruitcake is usually served as the dessert of the day and is probably the most delicious of all the Jamaican Christmas traditions. Locals soak the fruits they are going to use in their cake in Jamaican white rum and red wine for a whole month.

What is Jamaica's biggest holiday?

The Independence Day of Jamaica is a national holiday celebrated in Jamaica. This holiday commemorates such an event, it is one of the most senior public holidays celebrated in Jamaica.

7 Jamaican Christmas Traditions

What is the most popular Christmas drink in Jamaica?

A festive drink made by steeping hibiscus flowers, sorrel is a holiday favorite throughout the Caribbean. Making this burgundy treat is a Christmas tradition in many Caribbean countries including Jamaica, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Guyana, St.

What are the unique Jamaican Christmas traditions?

What is Santa called in Jamaica?

Jamaicans also believe in Santa Claus and he's called Father Christmas or Kris Kringle. He usually leave gifts for children under the Christmas tree on Christmas eve.

How hot is Jamaica in December?

In December, the peak season starts, and is a very popular time for tourists traveling to Jamaica. The temperature is around 84 °F, the chance of rainfall decreases significantly, and the ocean temperature is around 82 °F. The wind is calm and nighttime temperatures are around 72 - 75 °F.

What language do people speak in Jamaica?

Jamaica's official language is English, but we also speak Jamaican or Patois (or Patwa) - a colorful, descriptive and emphatic creole dialect that has been shaped by our African, Spanish, French, Portuguese, and English colonial heritage.

What is Boxing Day in Jamaica?

It's celebrated on December 26th each year, the day after It's a public holiday in Jamaica and several other countries, including the United Kingdom, Canada, and Australia. While its name might suggest a day of boxing-related activities, it's a holiday dedicated to charity.

Does Jamaica decorate for Christmas?

Towns and cities create a festive atmosphere by decorating the streets and palm trees with brightly colored Christmas lights known locally as 'pepper lights'. Houses in affluent neighborhoods compete to create the best light displays, and even local taxis are decorated.

What is the Christmas flower in Jamaica?

Euphorbia Punicea (Jamaican Poinsettia) is a small tree or shrub, which is closely related to and resembles the very familiar Christmas flower. As a tree, Jamaican poinsettia grows to a height of 10 to 15 feet; Branching out into a rounded, sparse crown.

What is the coldest month in Jamaica?

Temperatures in Jamaica

A tropical climate means warm weather all year round, with only slight variations between winter and summer. Montego Bay sees its warmest days in July, with a maximum temperature of 91°F, while the 'coldest' period is over the month of January, at 82°F.

Who brings Christmas presents in Jamaica?

Santa and Sorrel

Children enjoy Santa's gifts and feasting with their families on Christmas Day. In Kingston, the capital of Jamaica, there is a Santa Claus Parade. Many children get to sit on Santa's lap and whisper to him their Christmas wishes.

What is the day after Christmas called in Jamaica?

Unlike in the US where the day after Christmas is a major sale day, Boxing Day in Jamaica is usually very quiet. Many Jamaicans spend time with family and friends. Many flock to the beaches.

What are Jamaican traditions?

Kumina Dances

Kumina is a Jamaican religious ceremony involving music, dance, and spirit possession, and is a way of celebrating and appeasing ancestors. It is perhaps the tradition most closely rooted in African cultures – the Kumina religious group came originally from the Congo.

What are Jamaican Christmas colors?

Traditional Christmas colours are red and green but many locals like to add gold to the mix partly because those are the colours the Rastafarian culture, which was developed in Jamaica, associates with.

Where did Jamaica get Christmas from?

The history of Jamaican Christmas celebration goes back to the 17th century to the period of slavery where the island was an Enlsigh colony. During that era, the plantation owners presented annual gifts to each of the slaves including meat and a piece of cloth.

What is Jamaica known for food?

What fruit is Jamaica drink?

Made from dried Hibiscus Flowers, this Agua de Jamaica recipe is one of my favorite all-ages drink recipes and is a tart herbal tea you can serve hot or cold. Sweeten Hibiscus Tea with sugar or honey for a refreshing summery sip.

What alcohol is known in Jamaica?

Often the centerpiece of parties and lively social gatherings, Jamaican rum, whether white or red, is an absolute must-try. Just picture yourself lounging at your swim-up bar or your favourite chill spot in Jamaica, rum cocktail in hand.

What alcoholic drink is famous in Jamaica?

Jamaica is synonymous with Red Stripe, the quintessential crisp lager. Jamaicans also love stout, perhaps a surprising choice for the tropics. Guinness is popular here, though Schop prefers locally brewed Dragon Stout, from the producers of Red Stripe.