Here are 7 reasons why you should visit Jamaica:
1. Culture
Jamaica has a proud and astounding culture, embracing the land and the lifestyles we lead. One of the greatest aspects of Jamaica’s culture is the friendly and welcoming nature of Jamaicans. Once when I was staying at a hotel, a visiting DJ was live on the radio and he said, “When Jamaicans greet you with warmth, it’s not because they want something from you as they truly are a friendly and warm people.”
Culture is the way of life of a people and includes, customs, practices, beliefs, superstitions and food. All this lead people to act, think and behave differently from people in other cultures.
The Jamaican culture is expressed through local stories, songs, dances, the use of herbs and bush medicine, local beliefs, the preparation of indigenous foods and through religious practices.
Jamaicans perform folk songs and dance during festivals and independence celebrations. During celebrations it is customary to wear our national costumes, which is called the Bandana.
Jamaica’s folk culture began mainly in the rural and mountainous villages. The main contributors to Jamaican culture are the groups of people who made Jamaica their home. These are the African, the English, The Spaniards, and the Indians.
Jamaican Traditional Dance
2. Tropical Climate & Weather
Instead of staying cooped up in the winter months, throw on a bathing suit and make your way to Jamaica. With an average temperature of 81˚F (27˚C) in Jamaica, can you think of a better way to escape the dreaded cold?
The main difference between the seasons is found in rainfall and air humidity. The rainy season, from late April to October, is hot and muggy. Rainfall occurs mainly in the form of thunderstorms in late afternoon in almost all Jamaica, except on the west coast. In July there is a relative lull in precipitation, and in any case, there are two peaks in May and October..
Puerto Seco Beach, St. Ann, Jamaica
3. The Beaches
Jamaica is a big island with hundreds of miles of coastline, so you'd expect to find some great beaches here. Who would not go to the beach if they visited Jamaica? Our beautiful waters, as well as shaded, breezy areas provided from our palm trees. Nothing spells relaxation more than a day well spent on Jamaica's sandy beaches. Some of the best are located in big resort communities like Montego Bay and Negril. You can however find great sand, surf, and seaside bars in more overlooked destinations like Port Antonio and Treasure Beach.
The world-famous Frenchman’s Cove is one of the most beautiful beaches I’ve played in and I invite visitors to see for themselves.
Frechman's Cove, Portland, Jamaica
4. Jamaica Blue Mountain Coffee
Forget plateaus, valleys or even rolling hills, part of what makes Blue Mountain Coffee so special is that it only grows on steep mountainsides between 3,000 and 5,000 feet. The humidity of the mountain range, its favorable drainage and other uncommon conditions produce a denser bean, which equates to better quality.
This smooth Arabica coffee of Blue Mountain, is sweet-toned, easily had without additives, naturally alkaline. It contains vitamins and nutrients making it beneficial for daily consumption.
Unlike the majority of the island, the Blue Mountain experiences its own micro-climate of cooler temperatures and trustworthy afternoon rain. The ideal ingredients for ruby red coffee blossoms to grow. The largest mountain range in Jamaica, the Blue and John Crow Mountain range, has also been designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Blue Mountain Forest, Jamaica, by Maria Allen on Unsplash
5. Reggae Music
We have all heard of Jamaica's legend, Bob Marley, known worldwide; we have heard of Jamaican music such as ska, rock steady, reggae, dancehall… Music is at Jamaica’s heart. Every pulsing beat pushes forth the creativity and soul of a bold, strong and resilient people.
There is no beat that is too difficult to complement with the art of movement; no tune that doesn’t make us groove. No condition that we cannot master through the rhythm and word combination.
Jamaican music is world famous, not only for making you want to sing along and dance, but also for being a powerful tool for ‘change.’
Reggae, style of popular music originated in Jamaica in the late 1960s and emerged as the country's dominant music. By the 1970s it had become an international style that was particularly popular in Britain, the United States, and Africa.
Have you been to Jamaica? WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE SPOT IN JAMAICA? We will put it on our "Places to Tour List" and feature it in an upcoming blog.
Koffee, the New Toast of Jamaica
6. Shopping
There are plenty of reasons to visit Jamaica, and shopping is one of them. The Land of Wood and Water is known for its unique culture that can be found nowhere else. From the world-renowned Blue Mountain Coffee to the interesting wood carvings, Jamaicans take pride in blessing the world with items that represent their culture. Here, you can find some of the finest products to remind you of your visit to this Caribbean island.
Sunset at the Beach by Barrington Watson
7. The Country’s Natural Beauty
Jamaica boasts picturesque beaches, mountains, forests and waterfalls. A mixture of landscapes that have marked the multi-cultural nature of the island from its very beginnings. Originally inhabited by the Taino people, through European influence and until its independence in the twentieth century.
Jamaica will charm you with its cinematic sunsets, with the perfection of its beaches and natural treasures. In this little Caribbean paradise you will understand what true happiness is.
Whether you consider the water your second home or are new to experimenting with the sea, there is a sea adventure for everyone! Snorkeling and scuba diving are so much fun, exposing visitors to the tropical life under the sea’s surface!
If you’re a surfer, Jamaica’s coasts won’t disappoint you! Beautiful, clear waters and great tides offer an enjoyable adventure to new and experienced surfers alike. This is a great opportunity to take a surfing lesson as well, immersing you in the tropical.
View from Noel Coward's Blue Harbour, St. Mary, Jamaica
References
www.bluefieldsvillas.com
https://www.jamaicasonice.com/post/7-things-you-can-only-buy-in-jamaica
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Jacqueline Cameron is an editor/writer with years of writing experience running the gamut from blogging to reporting. She lives in Kingston, Jamaica and is the chief writer for the Jamaica So Nice Blog. She is a trained engineer and musician and loves to see people transformed through her work.
