Here are a few of Jamaica’s top 2016 events that you won’t want to miss…
Event: Fat Tyre Festival
Date and location: February 16 – 22 in Ocho Rios, Jamaica
About: This seven day mountain biking event highlights Jamaica’s vibrant culture, unique geography and great riding! The event has featured some of the world’s top mountain bikers – Cam McCaul, Kyle Ebbett, Kathy Strand, and Katie Holden among others.
http://www.singletrackjamaica.com/fat-tyre-festival
Event: Style Week
Image: Saint International Jamaica Limited, Photographer Froylan Flowers
Date and Location: May 25 – 29 in Kingston, Jamaica
About: Fashion block- the Caribbean’s largest live fashion show (which is the grand finale of the Saint International-organised STYLEWEEK JAMAICA) where the city-streets are blocked for 20,000 fashion fans to watch Jamaica’s star designers and top models show the latest trends. The five day extravagansa, with its multiple after-parties, VIP cocktail receptions, supermodels and glamorous runway shows, appeals to die-hard fashionistas from around the world.
www.saintmodels.com
Event: Calabash Literary Festival
Date and Location: June 3 – 5 in Treasure Beach, Jamaica
About: The Calabash Literary Festival was founded in 2001 by novelist Colin Channer with the support of two friends, the poet Kwame Dawes and the producer, Justine Henzell. Their aim was to create a world class literary festival with roots in Jamaica and branches reaching out into the wider world. This they have certainly achieved. A three-day festival of readings and music with other forms of storytelling folded in the mix, Calabash is earthy, inspirational, daring and diverse.
www.calabashfestival.org
Event: Portland Jerk Festival
Image courtesy of Jamaica Tourist Board
Date and Location: July 3 in Port Antonio, Jamaica
About: The largest annual jerk and food festival in Jamaica which has been a major calendar event for the past 14 years. Scheduled for July 1, this food and music juncture is staged at the heritage site at Folly Estate in Portland. The event includes live wholesome family entertainment, Jerked food and other tasty delights.
http://www.visitjamaica.com/portland-jerk-festival
Event: Reggae Sumfest
Date and Location: July 13-19 in Montego Bay, Jamaica
About: This incredible summer music festival has been ‘Promoting music – the universal force’ for more than 20 years and has seen some of the most talented acts in the industry performing for three themed nights to thousands of patrons. International artists have included Kanye West, Missy Elliott, Alicia Keys, Mary J. Blige, Ne-Yo, Rihanna, Usher and more.
www.reggaesumfestjamaica.com
Event: Reggae Marathon
Image courtesy of Jamaica Tourist Board
Date and Location: December 3 in Negril, Jamaica
About: Jamaica’s premier International Marathon Event is uniquely Jamaican with international appeal. Marathoners, sports enthusiasts as well as beginners, converge for a fun event characterized by good vibes and lots of Reggae music. Other related Marathon events, like the internationally rated gourmet Pasta Party and 3 Day Marathon Expo, have participants humming with activity. If a marathon is a bit too much for you, you can always try the Kingston City Run in March.
http://www.reggaemarathon.com/
