Christmas tree Port Antonio Square - Portland

Jamaicans like to celebrate with feasting, drinking and merrymaking whenever they do they the chance. During the Jamaican Public holidays, expect all government offices and most retail establishments to be closed. Some businesses eg. supermarkets will be opened for ‘half day’.

New Year’s Day – 1 January 2011
Celebrations usually take place on New Years eve. Most Jamaicans celebrate this holidays partying or attending watch night at their favorite church.

Ash Wednesday – 9 March 2011

Good Friday – 22 April 2011
On this day traditionally Jamaicans do not consume flesh. Dinner is usually fish or greens.

Easter Monday – 25 April 2011
Traditional Easter festivities including egg hunts. But look our for many school fairs and kite festivals around this time.

Labour Day – 23 May 2011
Many Jamaicans celebrate this holiday by undertaking community projects to beautify and clean up their surroundings.

Emancipation Day – 1 August 2011

Independence Day – 6 August 2011
Usually an holiday of revelry and merry making, look out for the traditional goat feast, curried goat and mannish water.

National Heroes’ Day – 17 October 2011

Christmas Day – 25 December 2011
A christian society, Christmas celebrations are the biggest celebrations for the year, revelry, feasting and partying is the hallmark of this holiday.

Boxing Day – 26 December 2011
A carryover from our British traditions, the origins of this holiday is a mystery, how we celebrate it however is not. The festivities from Christmas day usually extend well after Boxing day.

Jamaican 2012 Public Holidays

New Year’s Day – 1 January 2012
Ash Wednesday – 22 February 2012
Good Friday – 6 April 2012
Easter Monday – 9 April 2012
Labour Day – 23 May 2012
Emancipation Day – 1 August 2012
Independence Day – 6 August 2012
National Heroes’ Day – 18 October 2012
Christmas Day – 25 December 2012
Boxing Day – 26December 2012