Holiday Traditions of Jamaica

"Merry Christmas"

Holiday Traditions in Jamaica

Despite the lack of snow and chimneys, Jamaica has its own vibrant and unique way of celebrating Christmas. Santa Claus still visits children, and gift-giving is an important part of the festivities. The Christmas spirit begins early in Jamaica, with radio stations playing Christmas carols as early as October, often featuring reggae remixes that bring a local twist to traditional holiday tunes.

Festive Decorations

Decorating for Christmas starts early in Jamaica. Homes are given fresh coats of paint in festive colors, and neighborhoods, towns, and trees are adorned with Christmas lights, locally known as “pepper lights.” Elaborate ornaments, holiday-themed curtains, tablecloths, and place settings deck the halls, making the season bright. Locally grown Blue Mountain pines serve as an alternative to the typical Norwegian pines seen in colder climates, and poinsettias, so popular in the decorating, are often pre-ordered months in advance due to high demand.

Christmas Celebrations and Events

The lead-up to Christmas Day is filled with concerts, parties, and balls, which can be found in community centers, city squares, and even churches. These events often last until the early hours of the morning, reflecting Jamaica’s lively spirit during the holiday season.

The Grand Market

The highlight of Jamaica’s Christmas celebrations is the Grand Market, which takes place from Christmas Eve until Christmas morning. Vendors gather in towns across the island to sell last-minute gifts, toys, decorations, clothing, and food, creating a festive, party-like atmosphere. At sunset, the real fun begins with music, dancing, and all-night celebrations keeping shoppers entertained. The best Grand Market can be found in Linstead, St. Catherine.

John Canoe (Jonkanoo)

An old tradition brought to Jamaica by African ancestors is the John Canoe or Jonkanoo masquerade procession. Though it was once widely celebrated across the island, today it is more commonly found in rural areas, where it continues to be a beloved part of the Christmas season.

Church and Midnight Mass

Jamaica holds the record for having more churches per square mile than any other country, making Christmas one of the most important celebrations on the island. After the Grand Market, many people attend a midnight mass service, while others continue partying throughout the night and attend Christmas morning services instead. Churchgoers wear their finest clothes and celebrate with carol singing, hand clapping, and reggae versions of Christmas songs.

Traditional Christmas Foods

Christmas Day begins with a hearty Jamaican breakfast, typically featuring ackee, saltfish, breadfruit, fried plantains, boiled bananas, and freshly squeezed fruit juice or tea. Dinner is served in the late afternoon and includes dishes such as curried goat, pork, chicken, and oxtail, accompanied by rice and gungo peas. More affluent families may include ham and imported turkey on the menu. For dessert, Jamaicans enjoy the seasonal drink sorrel and the famous Jamaican Christmas Cake, for which fruits are soaked in red wine and white rum for months before Christmas.

Boxing Day Traditions

On Boxing Day, December 26th, Jamaicans celebrate with the National Pantomime, an annual performance by the Little Theatre Movement. Since 1941, this show has been a celebration of Jamaican culture, folklore, and history, entertaining families every year. In the evening, dancehall fans look forward to the famous Sting dancehall show, a highly anticipated event in Jamaica's holiday calendar.

Holiday Traditions in Jamaica

Video by Elite Jamaica

Traditional Jamaican Holiday Recipes

Jamaican holiday celebrations are full of vibrant flavors and festive dishes that reflect the island’s rich culinary traditions. These recipes are an essential part of Christmas in Jamaica, enjoyed by families across the island. Here are a few authentic Jamaican holiday recipes:

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1. Jamaican Christmas Cake (Fruit Cake)

Jamaican Christmas Cake, also known as fruit cake, is a must-have during the holiday season. Made with dried fruits soaked in rum and wine for months, it’s a rich and flavorful dessert that embodies the spirit of Christmas in Jamaica.

Ingredients:

• 1 lb mixed dried fruits (raisins, currants, cherries, prunes)
• 1 cup red wine
• 1 cup white rum
• 1 cup butter
• 1 cup brown sugar
• 4 large eggs
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1 tsp almond extract
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 tsp baking powder
• 1/2 tsp cinnamon
• 1/2 tsp nutmeg
• 1/2 tsp allspice
• 1/4 cup molasses

Instructions:

1. Several weeks before baking, soak the mixed dried fruits in a combination of red wine and white rum. Store the mixture in an airtight container and shake occasionally to ensure the fruit absorbs the liquid.
2. When ready to bake, preheat the oven to 325°F (160°C). Grease and line a cake tin with parchment paper.
3. Cream the butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla and almond extracts.
4. In a separate bowl, sift together the flour, baking powder, cinnamon, nutmeg, and allspice. Gradually fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture.
5. Mix in the soaked fruit and any remaining liquid, then add the molasses. Stir until everything is well combined.
6. Pour the batter into the prepared cake tin and bake for 1.5 to 2 hours, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
7. Allow the cake to cool in the tin before transferring to a wire rack. For extra flavor, brush the cake with additional rum or wine after it cools.

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2. Sorrel Drink

Sorrel Drink is a traditional Jamaican beverage made from the petals of the sorrel plant, flavored with ginger, cinnamon, and cloves, and often spiked with rum. It’s a refreshing and festive drink served during the Christmas season.

Ingredients:

• 4 cups dried sorrel petals
• 1 inch piece fresh ginger, grated
• 2 cinnamon sticks
• 4 whole cloves
• 6 cups water
• 1 cup sugar (adjust to taste)
• 1/4 cup white rum (optional)
• Ice (for serving)

Instructions:

1. In a large pot, bring the water to a boil. Add the dried sorrel petals, grated ginger, cinnamon sticks, and cloves.
2. Remove the pot from heat and allow the mixture to steep for at least 4 hours or overnight for a more intense flavor.
3. Strain the mixture into a clean container to remove the sorrel petals and spices.
4. Add sugar to the strained liquid and stir until dissolved. Adjust sweetness to taste.
5. For a festive twist, add white rum to the sorrel drink and stir well.
6. Serve chilled over ice and enjoy!

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3. Curried Goat

Curried Goat is a beloved dish in Jamaica, often served during special occasions, including Christmas. It’s a flavorful stew made with tender pieces of goat meat, slow-cooked in a fragrant curry sauce.

Ingredients:

• 2 lbs goat meat, cut into cubes
• 2 tbsp curry powder
• 1 tsp allspice
• 1 onion, chopped
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 scallions, chopped
• 1 Scotch bonnet pepper, chopped
• 2 tbsp vegetable oil
• 2 cups water or broth
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Season the goat meat with curry powder, allspice, salt, and pepper. Let it marinate for at least 1 hour or overnight for best results.
2. In a large pot, heat the vegetable oil over medium heat. Add the onion, garlic, scallions, and Scotch bonnet pepper, and sauté until softened.
3. Add the seasoned goat meat to the pot and brown on all sides.
4. Add water or broth to the pot, cover, and simmer for 1.5 to 2 hours, or until the meat is tender and the sauce has thickened.
5. Adjust seasoning to taste and serve the curried goat with rice and peas or boiled dumplings.

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4. Ackee and Saltfish

Ackee and Saltfish is Jamaica’s national dish and is often served as part of a traditional Christmas breakfast. The combination of savory salted cod and soft ackee creates a delightful, flavorful dish.

Ingredients:

• 1/2 lb saltfish (salted cod), soaked overnight
• 2 cups canned ackee, drained
• 1 onion, chopped
• 1 tomato, chopped
• 2 scallions, chopped
• 1 Scotch bonnet pepper, chopped (optional)
• 2 tbsp vegetable oil
• Black pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Boil the soaked saltfish in fresh water for 10-15 minutes to remove excess salt. Drain, flake the fish, and set aside.
2. In a large pan, heat the vegetable oil and sauté the onion, tomato, scallions, and Scotch bonnet pepper until soft.
3. Add the flaked saltfish to the pan and cook for a few minutes.
4. Gently fold in the ackee and cook until heated through. Be careful not to stir too much as the ackee can become mushy.
5. Season with black pepper to taste and serve with fried dumplings, boiled green bananas, or breadfruit.

These traditional Jamaican recipes bring the warmth and flavor of the island’s holiday celebrations to your table. Enjoy preparing and sharing these festive dishes with your family and friends during Christmas!

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