TORONTO — Celebrations for Jamaica’s 60th year of independence are well underway in both the sun-soaked island as well as in Canada, home to over 300,000 Jamaican-Canadians.
The year-long festivities are themed after the slogan ‘Reigniting a Nation For Greatness,’ and encourage Jamaicans living in Canada as well as friends of Jamaica to “come home to the island this year” and “rediscover their roots or reignite their passion for Jamaican culture,” says Edmund Bartlett, Minister of Tourism for Jamaica.
EVENTS IN CANADA:
- Bob Marley One Love Experience in Toronto: Extended until Sept. 5, 2022, this North American premiere exhibit showcases never-before-seen photographs and memorabilia of the legendary musician. Travelweek enjoyed a sneak peek of the immersive experience earlier this month.
- Jamaica Lights: Canadian landmarks from coast to coast will illuminate in Jamaican flag colours on Aug. 6. Participating locations include: Niagara Falls; Ottawa’s ByWard Market; Halifax City Hall; the Clock Tower at Mississauga Civic Centre; Brampton City Hall Clock Tower; and Science World in Vancouver. Edmonton’s High Level Bridge will also be illuminated on Aug. 8.
- Jamaica 60 flag raising ceremonies: Flag raising ceremonies in celebration of Jamaica 60 will take place at Toronto City Hall (July 31), Markham (Aug. 5), Mississauga (Aug. 5), Oshawa (Aug. 5), London (Aug. 5), Brampton (Aug. 6) and Hamilton City Hall (Aug. 7).
- Jamaican Canadian Association’s Annual Jamaica Independence and Anniversary Gala: The Jamaican Canadian Association will hold its annual independence gala event in Toronto on Aug. 13.
- Film screenings: Screenings of ‘African Redemption: The Life and Legacy of Marcus Garvey’ will be held at select locations in Toronto and Brampton on Aug. 13 and Aug. 14. Click here for tickets and details.
- Flow 98.8 FM Fly Away to Jamaica: The popular radio station is inviting listeners to join hosts Red and Spex Da Boss as they broadcast their ‘Morning Flava’ and ‘Traffic Flow’ shows live from Jamaica from Aug. 14-21.
- Fall Fashun fashion show: Flair Management will be hosting a fashion show at the Jamaica Canadian Association in Toronto on Aug. 21.
- Sinting Fest on Eglinton West: Sinting Fest will take place Aug. 26-28 to help revitalize Toronto’s Little Jamaica neighbourhood.
- Helping Hands Jamaica Foundation’s Jamrock Annual Gala: Taking place Oct. 21, this annual gala will be held at Palais Royale in Toronto, with proceeds going towards resources for Jamaican children and their education.
EVENTS IN JAMAICA & SPECIAL OFFERS:
After a two-year hiatus, Jamaica’s popular annual festivals are back this year showcasing some of the country’s top local talents. Celebrating Jamaica’s 60th anniversary of independence, local festivals include Reggae Sumfest, Jamaica Dream WKND, and MoBay Jerk & Food Festival.
In addition, the Jamaica Tourist Board has worked with hotel, resort and attraction partners on the island to offer a collection of deals across various destinations in Jamaica. For a full list of deals click here.
Plus, Couples Resorts is celebrating Jamaica’s Diamond Jubilee with a special offer that includes s 6th night free, a $60 resort credit and 2x the Romance Rewards points. Travellers must book by Aug. 31 for travel between Aug. 1 through Dec. 16, 2022.
For more information on travel to Jamaica go to www.visitjamaica.com.
