Jamaica Independence Celebrations August 2011

Jamaica gained its independence from the British rule in August 1962. Every year since then, the country celebrates the first week of August as its independence week. It was on August 5, 1962, at the newly built National Stadium that the British flag was lowered and the Jamaican flag unveiled to the strains of the country’s national anthem. On August 6, 1962, Jamaica became an independent nation and a member of the British Commonwealth. Since then, every year on August 6, Jamaicans celebrate the movement from colonialism to self-government.

The week long celebrations see the nation come alive with music and dancing with costumed locals depicting different aspects of Jamaican culture through the centre of Kingston during the gala parade. Celebrations run up to 6 August, when traditional Junkanoo dancers recall the days of slavery and modern day Jamaican culture is celebrated in all its glory. Aside from Kingston, festivities take place through out the island.

If you are in Jamaica during this time, you can see the programs lined up for Saturday, August 6.

9:00 am: Independence Day Parade, Kingston and St Andrew

9:00 am: Western Jamaica Independence Day Civic Ceremony, St James

9:00 am: Parish Independence Civic Ceremony, All Parishes

12:00 pm: East Central St James Independence Gala, St James

1:00 pm: Western Jamaica Independence Street Parade St James

5:00 pm: Independence Grand Gala, Kingston and St Andrew

-- Independence Day Gala and Street Dance, All Parishes

You can witness the celebrations in popular tourist towns such as Ocho Rios, Montego Bay and Kingston. Guests staying at Silver Sands villas can take advantage of the transfer arrangements that we make to these towns and other places of interest.

Jamaica Villas Happenings