Titillating all your senses; Summer fun in Jamaica; Event Listing 2023

BY SIMONE J. SMITH

The weather: mid-80s to low 90s Fahrenheit (29-33 Celsius).

The beaches: white sand, crystal-clear water, with that gorgeous turquoise hue.

Hiking, rafting, zip-lining, lush forests, and waterfalls for outdoor lovers.

Mangoes, pineapples, ackee, picked fresh and served to you…

Oh yes, we all know what island I am talking about; JAMAICA, JAMAICA!

Summertime is right around the corner, and Jamaica remains a popular tourist destination known for its beautiful beaches, reggae music, and vibrant culture. The summer months, from June to August, are a great time to visit Jamaica, as the weather is warm and sunny, and there are many outdoor activities to enjoy.

If you’re interested in water sports, Jamaica offers a range of options, including swimming, snorkeling, scuba diving, and kayaking. You can also take a catamaran cruise or go deep-sea fishing. For those who prefer to stay on land, there are plenty of opportunities for hiking, zip-lining, and exploring the island’s many natural attractions, such as Dunn’s River Falls and the Blue Mountains.

Jamaica also has a rich history and culture that you can explore through its museums, galleries, and historic sites. You can visit the Bob Marley Museum in Kingston, the birthplace of reggae music, or explore the colonial architecture of Montego Bay.

This year’s events in Jamaica are jam packed with excitement that will tantalize all your senses. Yes, of course there are a lot of: concerts, festivals, and music events, but there is so much more to get into whether you’re the life of the party, a runner, foodie, golfer, or culture connoisseur.

Jamaica’s beloved art, music and food festivals bring a unique energy to the island during the summer months. Here are four sizzling summertime events that are worth travelling for:

Mochafest (May 25^th-30^th): Thousands of partygoers will flock to the sandy shores of Negril this May to take part in five days of free-spirited festivities. With eight thematic events to offer over the long weekend, this year’s party lineup includes a retro 90’s-themed throw-back, a sultry lingerie party, and a ‘bare-as-you-dare’ bikini booze cruise. Rapper 2Chainz and R&B superstar Mario are also slated to perform.

Calabash Literary Festival (May 26^th-28^th): Hosted every two years, Jamaica’s signature island-style literary festival spotlights BIPOC authors during a weekend of: readings, panel discussions, film screenings and musical performances designed to foster a spirit of community among book lovers. The Calabash Literary Festival is hosted at Jake’s Hotel, a picturesque jumping-off point from which to explore Jamaica’s rugged South Coast. This year’s author lineup features dozens of literary stars from the Caribbean and beyond, including Joyce Carol Oates, Kei Miller, Jeremy Poynting, Kwame Dawes and Padma Lakshmi.

Reggae Sumfest (July 16th-22^nd): First launched in 1993, the Caribbean’s largest summer music festival attracts music fans from across the globe. Damian Marley, Ziggy Marley, Chris Brown, Rihanna, Kanye West, Usher, Sean Paul and Nicki Minaj are just some of the big-name artists who have graced the Sumfest stage over the years. Reggae and dancehall performances, nightly parties, and a high-energy spirit make this iconic Montego Bay festival a can’t-miss annual event.

Dream Wknd (July 28^th-August 1^st): Youthful crowds descend upon the sleepy resort town of Negril each summer for a five-day VIP experience with partygoers enjoying all-inclusive food and drink throughout the four-day weekend. The festival lineup includes top international artists and DJs performing a wide variety of musical genres ranging from dancehall, pop and house to hip hop, rap and soca.

Unforgettable dining experiences on Jamaica’s riverbanks

In the Land of Wood and Water, Jamaica’s scenic riverbanks are a picturesque spot for adventurous diners looking to tuck into authentic Caribbean cuisine. At these outdoor eateries, traditional Jamaican dishes are prepared in woodfire ovens and atop coal stoves. Heaping plates of meat, seafood and fresh vegetable dishes are served on the riverside while the sound of rushing waters provides a soothing mealtime soundtrack.

Pretty Close 876: Located on the Flora River in Gordon Town, St. Andrew, this 60-seat riverside restaurant is indeed pretty close to Kingston’s urban center but feels a world away thanks to its tranquil outdoor setting. Owner and chef Omar ‘Ramo’ Edwards specializes in an ital style of cooking, showcasing seasonal ingredients sourced from his own organic farm.

The eco-conscious menu includes steamed fish, rice and peas, ackee, roasted breadfruit and plantain served in calabash bowls with bamboo utensils. After the meal, visitors can hike along the nearby trails to uncover hidden waterfalls, take a dip in the rushing waters, or simply stretch out in a hammock.

Belinda’s Riverside Restaurant: Perched on the banks of Jamaica’s Rio Grande in Port Antonio, this waterfront eatery has been in operation for decades. Owner Belinda Gray is following in her mother’s footsteps, preparing home cooked meals of curried crayfish, spicy stewed pork, crispy fried chicken and other flavorful Jamaican staples. Belinda’s is the perfect pit-stop during a bamboo rafting excursion on the Rio Grande, though reservations are recommended. The scenic cookshop is a favorite destination for in-the-know visitors and VIP celebrities like Beyoncé and Johnny Depp.

Street Food Saturdays: Hosted on select Saturdays each month, this riverside picnic is a true local secret. Tucked away in the hills of Mount James in St. Andrew Parish, the pop-up restaurant is helmed by Chef Walker-Barrett. Seated at picnic tables with their feet submerged underwater, patrons can sample an ever-changing seasonal menu of meat and seafood dishes like jerked shrimp, charcoal pork tenderloin and escovitch lobster tails.

Looks like it is time to take a trip back to Jamaica.