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Written by Maureen Wright-Evans

ashe_single_dancer_small Jamaica’s top event, the annual Emancipation and Independence Celebrations

Is held during the week of August 1 – 6. Jamaicans all over the world celebrate

the emancipation of slavery and our independence from England. The most popular cultural activities are music, dance and poetry.

Through the week of celebrations, the Cultural Development Commission, a government agency, preserves Jamaica’s culture. Schools all across the island participate in cultural competitions.

The very best of these competitions are showcased during the week of August 1 – 6 and what a feast await all who sample. There is something for everyone but music and dance are the highlights of the event.

Jamaica’s population is 90% of African descent and was brought to the island as slaves to work on the sugar cane estates. Life was hard and there was very little recreation and entertainment so the slaves turned to the musical instruments they

once used in Africa.

The drums, fife, abeng, cow horn, bamboo fiddles and many others instruments were first used to make music.Out of this era came the traditional folk dances like the maypole. This is a dance usually performed on the first day of May where group of dancers would plait a

pole with ribbons.

There was also the Quadrille, a ballroom dance done by the plantation elite. The

Kumina, an African ceremony performed by slaves had the music and dance as two

Of the major features.

It was out of the traditional folk music that Jamaica’s other music evolved. Today

The reggae, gospel, and dancehall are the more popular.

This is what a visitor to Jamaica had to say about our music and dance.

“As our bus entered the grounds of the Ranny Williams Entertainment Centre, I could hear the pulsating rhythm of reggae music. Suddenly, the energy from the crowd ripped through our group and we just started moving to the vibes of the music.

It was ‘Festival Season’ in Jamaica and we joined hundreds of locals who rocked and danced all night to the best of Jamaican music.

Today, I still cherish the memories of the ‘Jamaica’s Independence Festival Celebrations’.

William Atcheson

USA

Come and join Jamaica’s top event this summer. If you are interested in learning

about the island’s culture and want to see why they say ‘reggae is the heart beat of

the people, you can’t miss these celebrations.

Learn more about Jamaica’s Emancipation and Independence Celebrations August

1 – 6

http://www.jamaicaadventuresecrets.com/from-emancipation-to-independence.html

Maureen Wright-Evans is the CEO of Jamaica Adventure Secrets - a company that specializes in packages designed to expereince the hidden adventures and culture. Find out how YOU can have the ultimate travel expeeince to Jamaica. www.jamaicaadventuresecrets.com

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