Jamaica Independence Day

First Monday in August

The island of Jamaica became an independent nation with loose ties to the British Commonwealth on August 6, 1962. Before that it had been a founding member of the Federation of the West Indies, a group of Caribbean islands that formed a unit within the Commonwealth of Nations. Allegiance to the British gradually gave way to the emergence of a national identity, and the federation was dissolved.
A public holiday throughout the island, Independence Day is celebrated with a grand parade, traditional music and dancing, arts and crafts exhibits, and agricultural and other events as part of the Jamaica Festival.

CONTACTS:
Jamaica Cultural Development Commission
3 Phoenix Ave.
Kingston, 10 Jamaica
876-926-5726
www.jcdc.org.jm

SOURCES:
AnnivHol-2000, p. 145
NatlHolWrld-1968, p. 136
(c)

References in periodicals archive ?

On Tuesday, President Kenyatta will be the chief guest at the 57th Jamaica Independence Day. Before the independence anniversary festival, the President will be the chief guest at the 67th Denbigh Agricultural, Industrial and Food Show in Clarendon.

Kenya and Jamaica pledge to deepen trade ties

But it was not until 1987 that Huddersfield marked its first official Jamaica Independence Day by holding a church service at Newsome Church of God of Prophecy with a certain Pastor Shaw.

Celebration of Jamaican pride

Patrons, customers and lovers of the Jamaican cuisine will be getting a chance to sample some great Jamaican dishes and entertainment in the upcoming event called Jamaica Independence Day Celebration being hosted by the Taste of Jamaica Restaurant and Sports Bar.