The Jamaica Tourist Board Announces Their 2009 Line-Up Of Spring & Summer On-Island Events, March 17-July 25, 2009, Jamaica

Spring Break may be in full swing, but that is not the only reason visitors will flock Jamaica in 2009.  Once again, Jamaica is heating up the action for a sizzling year, offering a variety of spring and summer events that will appeal to worldwide visitors of all ages. A wide range of cultural and engaging activities will spice up each season.

Highlights follow:

Soul Rebellion Spring Break Party, Negril

March 17, 24, and April 17
Soul Rebellion is guaranteed to be one of the top places to be during the Negril Spring Break period. The first party of its kind to hit Negril, Soul Rebellion gives back to the local community while giving visitors one of the hottest concert experiences. Through the “Brick Program”, students are able to buy a brick for one dollar to help build schools in the community. During the day, visitors can experience local foods, cultural icons, music and live performances. At night, the event shifts to the Jungle Night Club, where Spring Breakers will break loose to pulsating Reggae Rhythms and party music.

Fun in the Son, Kingston, Negril, Ocho Rios

March 13 – 21
Glory Music presents the 7th staging of the Fun in the Son concert series. Dubbed ‘The Premier Christian Festival in the Caribbean’, this event transforms the exotic destinations of Negril, Ocho Rios & Kingston for a time of exciting Christian Entertainment and Ministry!  Thousands of Christian youths cannot afford to miss the free international Fun in the Son gospel concert in the island’s capital city, Kingston on March 21. Find more info.

Trelawny Yam Festival, Hague Show Grounds, Trelawny

April 11 – 13
The Trelawny Yam Festival is a cultural, heritage and food festival first initiated at the community level and first celebrated on May 23, 1997.  It has become the standard bearer for all local food festivals in Jamaica and boasts a number of events and attractions culminating in a grand festive occasion on Easter Monday each year.  These include the Schools’ Competition in February and the Farmers’ field Celebration and King and Queen Pageant in March.

Calabash International Literary Festival, Jake’s Resort, St. Elizabeth

May 22-24
Calabash International Literary Festival will be staged over 3 days and night.  Patrons will be treated to readings and live music offered free of cost to the public at Jake’s Resort on Treasure Beach.  Authors and musicians from various countries will read and perform.  Some of the authors scheduled to be in attendance include, South African Nobel Laureate Nadine Gordimer, U.S. Poet Laureate Robert Pinsky, and 2008 Pulitzer winner Junot Diaz plus Russell Banks among many others. Find more info at www.calabashfestival.org.

Ocho Rios Jazz Festival, Ocho Rios, Kingston, Montego Bay, South Coast

June 14 – 21
June is Jazz Month – The event will offer exciting days of great music, superb entertainment and healthy family and community participation, this festival includes international performers from Europe, the United States and the Caribbean along with renowned Jamaican jazz artists. Find more info at www.ochoriosjazz.com.
 
Portland Jerk Festival, Boston Playing Field, Portland

July 5
Jamaica presents one of the biggest celebrations of jerk cuisine, hosted in Portland, known as the “home of jerk.”  This is the perfect opportunity for visitors to participate in a delectable feast of jerk lobster, fish, chicken and pork, and to enjoy performances by local artists and dancers, art exhibits, carnival rides and face painting.

Reggae Sumfest, Catherine Hall, Montego Bay

July 19-25
This much anticipated annual music event features the top talent in roots, rock and reggae from all over the world. Past performers have included R&B queen Mary J. Blige, LL Cool J, Rihanna, 50-Cent and G-Unit, Missy Elliott, and Morgan Heritage. Find more info at www.reggaesumfest.com.