Traditions:

Jamaica is a country with many different cultures mixed together. There are
influences from Britain, Spain, and West Africa. Jamaican people are usually very
relaxed and love music, especially reggae. Dance is important too, and the
national dance is called Ska. Rastafarians are a religious group in Jamaica who
respect Haile Selassie as the Messiah. They are known for having dreadlocks.
Most Jamaicans are Christian, with Anglican, Catholic, and Baptist being the
most popular denominations. Jamaica has three national holidays: Emancipation
Day on August 1st, Independence Day on August 6th, and Heroes' Day on the
third Monday in October. Jamaican food has a lot of variety. Traditional dishes
often use fish and marinated foods, while Rastafarian food is usually vegetarian
and Ital. Jamaican art and literature show the history of how the country was
treated unfairly during the time when other countries controlled it.

On the 6th of February, we commemorate the birthday of the legendary reggae

singer and activist, Bob Marley. The people of his home country, Jamaica,
warmly welcome fans from all corners of the world to celebrate the life and legacy
of this icon during Bob Marley Week in early February. Each year, the festivities
differ, ranging from the Smile Jamaica concert, engaging lectures, exciting
karaoke contests, and so much more. It is the perfect time to explore the Bob
Marley Museum in Kingston or pay your respects at his mausoleum in Ocho
Rios.
The month of October is significant for both Port Antonio and Montego Bay, as
they host world-renowned international marlin tournaments. The birthplace of
blue marlin sports fishing, Port Antonio, boasts the oldest contest in the
Caribbean, with more than 40 years of tradition. These fishing tournaments attract
skilled local and international competitors, as well as celebratory parties and
receptions, making them an unforgettable heritage experience

The Ocho Rios Jazz Festival is known as the best mainstream jazz festival not just
in Jamaica but the entire Caribbean. In addition to the main festival in Ocho
Rios there are a number of free jazz concerts across the island during "Jazz Week"
in June.
Music:

Jamaican music has roots in African rhythms and is diverse, although Reggae is often
seen as its defining genre. Folk is one of the earliest and most influential music forms in
Jamaica, characterized by three main groups: music for work and entertainment,
religious music, and dance music. Mento is a pulsating music form that emerged through
the incorporation of Calypso, Tango, and Samba, and uses banjos, hand drums, guitars,
and rumba boxes. Jamaican music has a strong identity and serves as a tool for change
and unity.

Reggae is characterized by its offbeat phrasing, where the guitar, keyboard, and
occasionally wind instruments play on the second and fourth beats. These beats are
unaccented in most other musical genres, setting reggae apart. Unlike ska, which
emphasizes offbeats that fall on the "and" beats, reggae is typically slower and less wind
instrument-heavy.

Most classical reggae bands utilize a drum set, electric bass, electric guitar, keyboard, and
vocals in their instrumentation, with brass and percussion frequently added. In newer
reggae styles like dancehall, ragga, and reggaeton, electronics in the form of computers
and samplers are commonly used. Drums are heavily emphasized, often synthetically
generated, and geared towards rock and disco sounds.
Food:
Jerk Chicken
Jamaican jerk chicken can be prepared from different chicken parts. You can do it with a
whole chicken or with individual cuts such as thighs or wings. We have had the best
experiences with the so-called drumsticks. The drumsticks are tasty and remain
particularly juicy when grilled.

The jerk marinade thrives on its flavors and spiciness. The sharpness should be
individually adjusted to your own palate. The selection of the chillies and the quantity
play a major role here. If you like it really spicy, you can use Habaneros. On the other
hand, if you want it spicy but not too hot, you can use milder types of chili, such as
jalapeños or pepperoni.

150 grams of onions

40 g fresh ginger
2 green chili peppers
1 tsp dried thyme
½ tsp grated nutmeg
1 pinch of cinnamon powder
1 pinch allspice
½ tsp ground cloves
2 tbsp sunflower oil
2 tbsp freshly squeezed lime juice
1 kg chicken drumsticks (4 pieces)
250 g wild rice mix
1 pineapple
2 organic limes
5 sprigs of herbs for garnish
Ackee and Saltfish

Ackee and saltfish is a meal that is very popular in Jamaica. It is the country's
national dish. The meal is made up of a type of fruit that comes from West Africa
and dried, salted fish. The fish is usually cod, mahi mahi, or mackerel. People
usually eat the dish for breakfast or as an appetizer for lunch or dinner. The fruit,
ackee, can be dangerous to eat if it's not ripe. When the fruit is ready, it turns
yellow and has three black seeds. Ackee was brought to Jamaica in the 18th
century. It looks like a smooth, reddish peach. When ackee is fully ripe, it's oily
and sweet. When it's cooked, it looks like scrambled eggs. Saltfish is fried with
boiled ackee, onions, hot chiles, tomatoes, and lots of black pepper. This creates a
mix of sweet and salty flavors and different textures. Some people also eat the dish
with rice and boiled plantains, and sometimes bacon or fresh tomatoes are added
for extra flavor. It might seem strange to eat fruit with fish for breakfast, but in
Jamaica, it's a popular and delicious meal.

8 ounces (225g) salt cod

2 tablespoons (30ml) neutral oil, such as canola or vegetable

2 tablespoons (1 ounce; 30g) diced yellow onion, from 1/4 onion

2 heaping tablespoons (1 ounce; 30g) diced bell pepper, from 1/2 bell pepper

2 garlic cloves, minced

1 small tomato (about 2 ounces; 55g), cored and diced

2 scallion (10g), thinly sliced

2 tablespoons (3g) fresh thyme leaves and tender stems, chopped

One 18–20-ounce can ackee

Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper

Sliced avocado, for serving

Jamaican coconut

Jamaican coconut drops are a traditional Jamaican dessert that it's a perfect treat
for every occasion. These are sweet, chewy, and full of unique texture. The soft
and chewy coconut pieces and the gummy texture of the toffee are utterly divine.
Coconut drops is a traditional Jamaican dessert that pretty much resembles a
toffee. It is made from sugar and has coconut chunks that withs it a chewy texture.
It is a unique type of dessert that doesn’t include milk, cream, or any such
ingredient.

The best thing about these coconut drops is that it doesn’t involve baking as well.
So you don’t have o go through a labor process. It is super easy to make, and you
can prepare it in large batches. It is an amazing dessert and a far more amazing,
sweet that you can gift to your loved ones on several occasions like Christmas,
holidays, etc.

The main ingredient for this dessert is the coconut and sugar. You can add a few
other flavors and give the dessert your flair. Some of the flavors that go well with
the coconut drops include ginger, cinnamon, and vanilla extracts.

4 cups dried coconut flesh, diced

4 cups water

2 cups organic cane sugar

2 tablespoons fresh ginger, grated or 1 tablespoon ginger powder

1/2 teaspoo nutmeg, grated

1/2 teaspoon pink Himalayan salt