Come Feel All Right

 

Geographically, JAMAICA is an island of intense color and contrast with tropical beaches and arid plains set among the misty Blue Mountains. The island of Jamaica is the third largest island in the Caribbean. A land mass of 4,400 square miles, it’s just a little smaller than the state of Connecticut and offers plenty to do for the nature lover. The beaches of the north coast are ranked some of the best in the islands, and offshore the island is surrounded by remarkable diving and snorkeling opportunities. In the southwestern part of the island, you’ll find semi-arid coastal plains where sugarcane is grown. In the middle of the island, rising to an altitude of 7,402 feet, are the Blue Mountains, where the world famous Blue Mountain coffee is grown. Here, there are rivers for rafting, trails for hiking and of course, gorgeous scenery.

Many traveling to the Caribbean looking for sunbathing opportunities are invariably drawn to the island beaches, but some of Jamaica’s prime bathing spots are in the tropical rock pools, many at the bases of waterfalls, to be found along the inland rivers and streams. Here, you can relax in the cool, clear water dappled in sunlight while enjoying the scenery and listening to the sounds of the surrounding jungle.  The natural beauty of Jamaica is unquestionable, but the feature of the land that most sets this island apart from the rest of the Caribbean is its People. . . more than 2.5 million people call Jamaica their home – they are strong-minded, vibrant & passionate about social and political issues, outspoken about their opinions, yet warm and fun-loving at heart. 

One of the gifts of Jamaica is its Music. Reggae known worldwide, took to the ear waves when Hon. Robert Nesta (Bob) Marley made the music into an international phenomenon. In the wake of his success in the 1970s came a host of other names, and it wasn’t long before Reggae became an established genre of music. But Reggae was simply the growth, the development, of what had been happening in Jamaican music. Beginning with ska, and then rock steady, the loudest island in the world had declared its real musical independence, and had already made an imprint on the world. It gave the poor people a voice and something to call their own, celebrated the joys of life on the tropical island and spread One Love throughout the world. If you want to witness one of the best music festivals in the caribbean, come to Jamaica in July for Reggae Sumfest.

Easter in Jamaica is when we devour Easter Buns and the time when the famous Jamaica Carnival swings in the cities of the island nation. It takes on full bloom in the centers of Kingston, Ocho Rios and Montego Bay, also known as Bacchanal. Jamaica Carnival is a true representative of the raw Caribbean flavor and electrifying atmosphere. Carnival is marked by Reggae and Calypso bands that almost share the national identity. Going hand in hand is the Soca parties and Soca music that renders the festive quotient to the celebrations and makes it the biggest cultural celebration of Jamaica.

Jamaicans are a naturally warm and friendly bunch, welcoming tourists with huge smiles, and open arms. As a culture, we prefer to laugh than cry, dance than stand still, and express ourselves rather than hold back. Our complex past, marked by slavery and the struggle for independence, has made us proud, resilient and strong. Our National Motto, ‘Out of many, one people’, reflects the diversity of the Jamaican people, being a mix of different races, cultures and religions that live in unity in one small country of the world.

There are many faces of Jamaica, many more than can be seen in one visit to the island.  1.2 million visitors travel to Jamaica every year, many of them on return vacations, to bask in the sun, dive in crystal clear waters, hike through misty mountains or talk down prices at the market. Once you’re there and you’ve dined on jerk meats and conch fritters, washed them down with Red Stripe beer, danced to reggae or soca until the sun comes up, you’ll find there’s no place on earth quite like the island of Jamaica. 

“Come to Jamaica and Feel All Right”