Jamaica - Events

January

Accompong Maroon Festival, St. Elizabeth. Annual celebration of Maroons of Western Jamaica, with traditional singing and dancing, feasts, ceremonies, blowing of the abeng (cow's horn), playing of Maroon drums. tel. 876/952-4546. January 6.

Jamaica Sprint Triathlon, Negril. Hundreds participate in a three-part competition joining swimming, cycling, and running in one sweat-inducing endurance test. Contact the Jamaica Tourist Board. Late January.

February

Tribute to Bob Marley-Symposium in Music, Ocho Rios. Seminars for students of music. tel. 876/926-5726. First week in February.

Bob Marley Birthday Bash, Montego Bay. An annual concert that celebrates a local star. tel. 876/978-2991. February 6.

Reggae Summerfest, Ocho Rios. Annual reggae bash, featuring top reggae stars. Call tel. 876/960-1904 for dates in 2005.

March

Montego Bay Yacht Club's Easter Regatta. Annual sailing event of several races staged along the North Coast over a 6-day period around Easter. (tel. 876/979-8038). March 23 to March 28, 2005.

April

Carnival in Jamaica, Kingston, Ocho Rios, and Montego Bay. Weeklong series of fetes, concerts, and street parades. Contact local tourist offices. First week of April.

June

Ocho Rios Jazz Festival, Ocho Rios and Montego Bay. International performers play alongside Jamaican jazz artists; other events include barbecues. tel. 888/637-8111 or 876/927-3544 (www.ochoriosjazz.com). Second week in June.

National Dance Theatre Company's Season of Dance, Kingston. Traditional and modern dance, as well as notable singers. tel. 876/926-6129. June through August.

August

Reggae Sunfest, Catherine Hall, Montego Bay. Annual 5-day music festival. tel. 876/952-0889 (www.reggaesumfest.com). First week of August. 

September

Falmouth Blue Marlin Tournament, Montego Bay. A big deal locally. tel. 876/954-5934. Late September.