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Writer's pictureJacqueline Cameron

5 Memorable Reasons to Visit the Paradise of Jamaica

If you are ever looking for a place of warmth, happiness, and adventure, then Jamaica should be your next vacation destination. The beautiful island has become one of the most popular vacation spots in the western hemisphere for so many reasons. The food, beaches, music, and unique culture are just some of the reasons why people from all over the world rush to visit. Here are 5 reasons why you should visit Jamaica.


Inside a Cottage at Strawberry Hill, St. Andrew, Jamaica

Culture

Jamaica has a proud and astounding culture, embracing the land and the lifestyles we lead. One of the greatest aspects of Jamaica’s culture is the friendly and welcoming nature of Jamaicans. Once when I was staying at a hotel, a visiting DJ was live on the radio and he said, “When Jamaicans greet you with warmth, it’s not because they want something from you as they are a truly friendly and warm people.”

Culture is the way of life of a people and includes, customs, practices, beliefs, superstitions and food. All this lead people to act, think and behave differently from people in other cultures.

The Jamaican culture is expressed through local stories, songs, dances, the use of herbs and bush medicine, local beliefs, the preparation of indigenous foods and through religious practices.

Jamaicans perform folk songs and dance during festivals and independence celebrations. During celebrations it is customary to wear our national costumes, which is called the Bandana.

Jamaica’s folk culture began mainly in the rural and mountainous villages. The main contributors to Jamaican culture are the groups of people who made Jamaica their home. These are the African, the English, The Spaniards, and the Indians.

Tropical Climate & Weather

Instead of staying cooped up in the winter months, throw on a bathing suit and make your way to Jamaica. With an average temperature of 81˚F in Jamaica, can you think of a better way to escape the dreaded cold?

The main difference between the seasons is found in rainfall and air humidity: the rainy season, from late April to October, is hot and muggy. Rainfall occurs mainly in the form of thunderstorm in late afternoon. In almost all Jamaica, except on the west coast. In July there is a relative lull in precipitation, and in any case, there are two peaks in May and October, that is, at the beginning and the end of the period.


Frenchman's Cove, Portland, Jamaica

The Beaches

Jamaica is a big island with hundreds of miles of coastline, so you'd expect to find some great beaches here. Who would not go to the beach if they visited Jamaica? Our beautiful waters, as well as shaded, breezy areas provided from our palm trees. Nothing spells relaxing more than a day well spent on Jamaica's sandy beaches. Some of the best are located in big resort communities like Montego Bay and Negril. You can however find great sand, surf, and seaside bars in more overlooked destinations like Port Antonio and Treasure Beach.

The world-famous Frenchman’s Cove is one of the most beautiful beaches I’ve played in and I invite visitors to see for themselves.


Jamaica Blue Mountain Coffee

Forget plateaus, valleys or even rolling hills, part of what makes Blue Mountain Coffee so special is that it only grows on steep mountainsides between 3,000 and 5,000 feet. The humidity of the mountain range, its favorable drainage and other uncommon conditions produce a denser bean, which equates to better quality.

This smooth Arabica coffee, of Blue Mountain, is sweet-toned, easily had without additives, naturally alkaline and contains vitamins and nutrients making it beneficial for daily consumption. Unlike the majority of the island, the Blue Mountain experiences its own micro-climate of significantly cooler temperatures and trustworthy afternoon rain, the ideal ingredients for ruby red coffee blossoms to grow. The largest mountain range in Jamaica, the Blue and John Crow Mountain range, has also been designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Reggae Music

We have all heard of Jamaica's legend, Bob Marley, who is known worldwide and we have heard of Jamaican music such as ska, rock steady, reggae, dancehall… Music is at Jamaica’s heart. Every pulsing beat pushes forth the creativity and soul of a bold, strong and resilient people. Music is at Jamaica’s heart.

There is no beat that is too difficult to complement with the art of movement; no tune that doesn’t make us groove. No condition that we cannot master through the rhythm and word combination. We feel the vibrations, we live the lyrics and we redefine our space and place with music.

Jamaican music is world famous, not only for making you want to sing along and shake your hips, but also for being a powerful tool for ‘change.’ Although Reggae defines Jamaica’s music, the island’s traditional or folk music is rich. It is heavy with the substance of African rhythms and collective experiences – and has continued to evolve into an extraordinary legacy.

Reggae, style of popular music originated in Jamaica in the late 1960s and quickly emerged as the country's dominant music. By the 1970s it had become an international style that was particularly popular in Britain, the United States, and Africa. Have you been to Jamaica? WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE SPOT IN JAMAICA? We will put it on our "Places to Tour List" and feature it in an upcoming blog.


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Jacqueline Cameron is an editor/writer with years of writing experience running the gamut from blogging to reporting. She lives in Kingston, Jamaica and is the chief writer for the Jamaica So Nice Blog. She is a trained engineer and musician and loves to see people transformed through her work.

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