Jamaica - Culture

Jamaica is one of the three islands in the Northern Caribbean forming the Greater Antilles. It's the largest English-speaking country in the Caribbean Sea, stretching 146 miles from east to west. Lying 550 miles north of the Panama Canal and 700 miles south of Miami, Jamaica is well-placed on the world's major shipping and airline routes.

The country's name is derived from an Aarawak (aboriginal Indian) word "Xaymaca", meaning "land of wood and water". And so it is, with waterfalls, and springs, rivers and streams flowing from the forest-clad mountains to the fertile plains, Jamaica has one of the richest and most varied landscapes in the region.

For those who like to explore, the island offers a feast of contrasts. The north coast, with its popular resort areas of Montego Bay, Runaway Bay, Ocho Rios and Port Antonio, features fine coral beaches and broad plains where sugar cane, coconuts and citrus fruits are grown. On the western tip of the island is Negril, once a remote, swampy outpost but now a beachcomber's paradise. The southern region of the island offers a rugged coastline where majestic mountains plunge into the sea - like inspirational Lover's Leap in St. Elizabeth, a 1500-foot cliff of romantic legend. The center of the island is mostly mountainous and heavily wooded, spotted occasionally with small mining towns and villages. And, of course, there's the famous Cockpit Country in the Norwest region, an eerie terrain of conical hills and deep sinkholes. The central mountain range, dominated by 7,402-foot Blue Mountain, divides the south coast of the island from the north and extends from Half Moon Bay to Portland. This great variety of terrain and climate allows virtually everything to grow here. Visitors can step into a country market and see a vast array of tropical fruits and vegetables with such unfamiliar names as callaloo, dasheen, soursop, breadfruit, cho-cho, and ackee otaheiti apple. Jamaica's main exports (other than tourism) are sugar, citrus fruits, bananas, spices, and world-famous Blue Mountain coffee.

Kingston :- The capital of Jamaica, the large city is the island's center for culture and forward moving ideas. It is also the the island's largest city and has many shops where you can find a variety of goods. Lots of historical sites worth visiting.

Mandeville : - A quiet town nestled in the mountains, Mandeville makes the perfect place for that more lengthy stay. From here you have access to all the port cities, without losing the ambience of a country town

Montego Bay : - This city on the north coast is where most tourists fly in. There is a lot to see and Rose Hall as well as several other plantations are nearby. A great hub to get started.

Negril : - The haven for those who just want to be themselves. Known as party central for the island, Negril has several clothing optional resorts and usually hosts MTV's Spring Break Show.

Ocho Rios : - This central north coast resort city is lots of fun. Commonly visited, a lovely area with plenty of nice places to stay. The beaches are lovely and there is lots of local colour.

Port Antonio : - Quiet, less travelled north coast resort area. Beautiful and much more untouched. A favourite of many of the rich and famous.

People: The people of Jamaica have emerged from a historical process in which peoples of all the continents were brought together within a well-defined social hierarchy. The vast majority are of African descent, but there are well established, but small, Indian, Chinese, Arab, and European communities as well. Jamaican culture is a particular synthesis of all these cultures. Popular culture is heavily influenced by the African heritage, while formal behaviour is unmistakably British in style. While it is arguable that the popular speech of Jamaicans is a distinct language from English, it was derived largely from English which has been the official language for over 300 years. The influence of the USA is becoming more evident, reflecting the closer ties with that society.

Food: A spicy, colourful mix of cuisine includes ackee and salt fish; rice and peas; jerk chicken, fish and pork; curried goat; pepper pot soup; roasted yams,; banana fritters; salads; fruits and exotic desserts.

Music: The country's music consists of folk ballads, work songs, revivalist hymns and, of course, reggae.

Arts and crafts: Creations in straw, clay, fabric, shell, wood and semi-precious stone are on display at open-air markets and small galleries. Crafts are influenced by African, Indian, European and Arawak cultures. Depicting life and landscape, Jamaican paintings feature bright colours and bold lines.