A Jamaican Vacation: Five Cultural Practices You Can Expect

Do you find the act of exploring and learning new cultural practices and traditions intriguing? Jamaican culture is undoubtedly one of the best in the Caribbean region. It is exhibited and practiced by the peoples who have occupied the Greater Island of the Antilles for many centuries. A vacation in Jamaica can expose you to a people with a unique way of life that has African, Indian, Spanish and British influences. Even so, you will discover that the black community that arrived on the island during the slave trade is the central engine in terms of society and culture.

Jamaica is known worldwide for raising the best Reggae musicians and athletes. It is also renowned for its rich traditions and hospitality. You can enter the country through the Jamaica cruise deals that are part of the Caribbean Sea voyages. If you have not been to Africa before, you can also travel to this Caribbean country and feel like you are in the heart of the African continent. The country has a unique design and character compared to the other islands. It is a wonderful tourist destination for honeymoons, weddings, and regular adventures and explorations.

What cultures and traditions can you learn?

Traditional Jamaican Dances – Haven’t heard of ballroom styles? The only way to know exactly what it is about is by touring the region. Dances have been the main element of the traditional activities practiced in this nation since the time of colonization. It is usually grouped into three categories. The first is a dance of African origin that is grouped into social and religious dances. Examples of the latter include the famous pocomania, Kumina and Myal which are performed during religious rituals. The other category of the three dances includes the Creole, which mixes elements of African and European cultures. The songs and movements are usually related to work and board games. During the Caribbean East Indies festival, Hosay and Jonkannu are two fascinating jazz performers. Other popular musical styles in the area include reggae and ragga (dance hall).

Language: The primary language spoken in Kingston and throughout Jamaica is English. However, as a tourist, you have the opportunity to learn the local lingo: Jamaican Creole and Patois.

Religion: This is an imperative cultural aspect that you can expect to find in this homeland. Most of the population follows the Christian faith and major places of worship include the Church of God and Anglican. The Rastafarian movement, which has strong and deep roots in Ethiopia’s Coptic society, is also part of Christianity. In this nation there are synagogues for Jews, mosques for Muslims, temples for Hindus and even places of worship for followers of Buddhism and the Baha’i faith.

Theatre, writing and literature – The first theater was built around 1682 and there are many of them today. When you travel through the region you can locate these centers as they can help you learn cultural activities such as music, dance and other comic performances. Literature and writing are also part of this rich and prosperous culture. You can find works of writing written in local languages ​​as well as English by famous writers like Derek Walcott.

Film Industry – Although this field continues to grow, there are few film series that use Jamaican themes. To experience the cinematic aspect of the country, you can plan cruise deals around February, when the Reggae Film Festival takes place.