Culture

Creativity, and music in particular, define the Jamaican identity. Jamaica's native music, reggae, is celebrated at many festivals including Reggae Sumfest and Reggae Sunsplash, and the annual Festival of Arts highlights the island's heritage in music, dance, drama, traditional folk forms and drama. Community festivals are constantly being added to the island's calendar of events, so there's always something new and original to discover.

Cuisine

Jamaica has many fine restaurants offering an array of dining styles, most commonly Jamaican, American, European, East Indian, Chinese and Italian. Each November, the annual Restaurant Week activities encourage locals and holidaymakers alike to sample offerings at the island's most renowned dining establishments.

Attractions & Tours

Classic white-sand beaches and azure coves are common in Jamaica, but so too are powerful rivers, vast forests and the kaleidoscope of island life. 252 species of birds, 200 native orchids, 500 species of ferns and 50 species of coral come together to form one of the most bio-diverse islands in the Caribbean. Nature reserves, museums, galleries and adventure tours are all commonplace in Jamaica.

Climate

Jamaica is characterised by high temperatures and humid conditions year-round. Warmth and sunshine is commonplace, interspersed with two rainy seasons from May - June and September - November. Short tropical showers provide a welcome break from the afternoon heat, hence why the locals endearingly coined the phrase "liquid sunshine".

History

Jamaica has welcomed settlers from all around the world. Amerindians settled here first, followed by Europeans, Africans, Asians, Indians and Middle Easterners in a variety of contexts. All have blended together to give the island its rich history and heritage, with a varied collection of cultures and customs nestled within beautiful mountain valleys.