Jamaican Mommies by Shanoy Coombs: From Jamaica; for the world

Menu

Jamaica Emancipation to Independence- Calender of Events

As a child, I vaguely remember Emancipation and Independence celebrations, yet I do recall my parents making a big enough deal about same.  My mother would reference Mello go round (I believe it was still called that then) and over the period my father would make the yearly trek to the Denbigh Agriculture Show in Clarendon.

As an adult, I have visited quite a few of the celebrations with my family in tow and it was indeed a spectacular showing. A lot must be said for the keen attention to details over the August 1-6 period.   Well done JCDC.

This year as Jamaica celebrates 53 years of Independence under the theme “Jamaica 53.. Proud and Free” the nation’s cultural agency Jamaica Cultural Development Commission (JCDC)  has an extensive list of events to celebrate Jamaica’s 53 years as a Free Nation.  I implore you to check it out as the 2015 activities feature a wide variety of options for all members of the family!! and best of all Jamaican Mommies will be giving away tickets to the many Independence and Emancipation events this year!!!. 

We have also highlighted Pickney Pendence which is a programme specifically prepared and produced for children. Its aim is to create an atmosphere for children to learn about and be better able to appreciate the concept, significance and meaning of Emancipation and Independence in a fun way. Jamaican Mommies views this inclusion favourably 🙂





There is also Family Day on August 2 and is a day in which families will be encouraged to get together and share with each other by indulging in various activities including visits to historical places and other sites of interests.

WHY CELEBRATE EMANCIPATION AND INDEPENDENCE?

Recently too, Minister of Youth and Culture the Hon. Lisa Hanna shared why we should celebrate independence so have a look


CALENDAR OF NATIONAL EVENTS 2015

Emancipation to Independence
DATE
EVENT
VENUE
DESCRIPTION

Sunday July 26
10:00 am

National Thanksgiving Service
St. Jago De La Vega Cathedral,  Spanish Town
Service to celebrate the country’s Emancipation & Independence.
7 DAYS OF CELEBRATIONS

DAY 1

8:00 pm
Friday July 31


10:00 pm
Emancipation Jubilee
Seville Heritage Park,
St. Ann’s Bay
This is an annual event that is staged by the National Heritage, at the historic Seville Heritage Park in St. Ann’s Bay. It features displays and performances by the various traditional folk groups as well as popular artistes.
Emancipation Vigil
All Parishes Island-wide
The JCDC working in collaboration with the respective Ministers’ Fraternity in each parish, will stage a parish vigil in each parish capital. The programme features performances primarily from traditional folk groups followed by a religious services which culminates in the symbolic reading of the Emancipation Proclamation at midnight by the Custos of the parish.
DAY 2

All Day

Saturday August 1

6:00-10:00am  




12:30 – 1:30 pm





3:00-4:30 pm





8:00 pm
My Jamaica Day
Independence Village – RWEC
Jamaica Day celebrates Jamaica’s bountiful food, and our creative and nutritious meals, beverages, treats, and health offerings.
              
Market Place
Hope Road
(Kings House Gate to Ardene Rd)
Replicating the popular ‘Sat’day’ shopping experience, Hope Road will be transformed into a vibrant market place, showcasing the rich offerings of Jamaica’s farmers.  ‘Push cart man-dem’ will be available to carry bountiful bags to shoppers’ cars parked at King’s House.
Lunch Hour Concert
Independence Village – RWEC
Lunch hour concert features award winning performers from the Festival of the Arts and other notable performers and cultural groups.
The Chat Room
Independence Village – RWEC
A 90 minutes Panel Discussion/Symposium on relevant and topical issues   that is geared towards stimulating the thoughts of  the young and old generations, as we reflect on particular areas of our culture. Topics will be relevant to the major event of the day which will be accentuated by the use of social media.
Coronation of Miss Jamaica Festival Queen 2015
Independence Village – RWEC
The thirteen Parish Festival Queens will vie for the coveted title of Miss Jamaica Festival Queen.
DAY 3
All Day

Sunday August 2

1:30 – 5:00 pm


12:30 – 1:30 pm


3:00-4:30 pm

7:00 pm
Family Day

Island-wide
This is a day in which families will be encouraged to get together and share with each other by indulging in various activities including visits to historical places and other sites of interests.
Pickney-Pendence

Independence Village – RWEC
This is a programme specifically prepared and produced for children. Its aim is to create an atmosphere for children to learn about and be better able to appreciate the concept, significance and meaning of Emancipation and Independence in a fun way
Lunch Hour Concert
Independence Village – RWEC
As previously outlined.
The Chat Room
Independence Village – RWEC
As previously outlined.
Jamaica Gospel Song Showcase and Finals
Independence Village – RWEC
The culmination of the Jamaica Gospel Song Competition with participants drawn from across the island. The winner will be determined.
DAY 4
12:30 – 1:30 pm
Monday August 3












3:00-4:30 pm



6:00 pm

8:00 pm

Lunch Hour Concert
Independence Village – RWEC
As previously outlined.
‘‘Aunty Roachie Festival’
The Literary Festival
Independence Village – RWEC
Aunty Roachie Festival will serve to showcase the creative talent of our Literary and Film Communities. 
  • The Literary Festival will recognize the works and contributions of Jamaican writers to both the national and global development through readings and discussions.  The open mic segment will afford little known talent to showcase their skills including Poetry Slam competitions and pieces created specifically based on the theme for the Jamaica Festival Celebrations. 
The Chat Room
Independence Village – RWEC
As previously outlined.
Fashion Greets Music
Independence Village – RWEC
“Fashion Greets Music” will be an afternoon into night entertainment that will display and bring together fashions of young & emerging as well as established designers mingled with Music from Ska to Dancehall.
Film Festival
Independence Village – RWEC
The Film aspect is a movement to exhibit and expand the art form of short film making by showcasing the most captivating and innovative short content. 
Day 5
12:00 noon

12:30 – 1:30 pm

3:00-4:30 PM
8:00 pm

Tuesday August 4
Village Activities
Independence Village – RWEC
Regular activities commence  in the village from 12:00 noon to 8:00 pm.
Lunch Hour Concert
Independence Village – RWEC
As previously outlined.
The Chat Room
Independence Village – RWEC
As previously outlined.
Mello–Go-Roun
Independence Village – RWEC
The premier festival family show featuring the best of the best in the Performing Arts presented in thematic and theatrical production to the delight of the audience.
Day 6
12:00 noon
12:30 – 1:30 pm

3:00-4:30 PM

Wednesday August 5
8:00 pm
Village Activities
Independence Village – RWEC
Regular activities continue in the village from 12:00 noon to 8:00 pm.
Lunch Hour Concert
Independence Village – RWEC
As previously outlined.
The Chat Room
Independence Village – RWEC
As previously outlined.
World Reggae Dance Championship
Independence Village – RWEC
Grand finals of the World Reggae Dance Championship.
9:00 am

12:00 noon

1:30 – 5:00 pm

6:00 pm
Day 7

Thursday, August 6
6:00 pm
Independence Day Parade
Lawns of King’s House
The annual Independence Day parade features a military display and the presentation of Independence Messages by the national leaders.
Village Activities
Independence Village – RWEC
Regular activities continue in the village from 12:00 noon.
Pickney-Pendence
Independence Village – RWEC
As previously outlined.
Grand Gala
National Stadium
Grand Gala
Viewing Party
Independence Village – RWEC
The Grand Gala will be beamed live on big screens to the Independence Village followed by an after party with recorded music.

TICKET OUTLETS



Tickets for the August 1-5 festival events are available at the Indedpendence Village at Ranny WIlliams Entertainment Centre; select Sangster’s Bookstores (Mall Plaza, Sovereign, King Street and Portmore) and the Bill Express locations as well as online at www.jcdcjamaica.com

Passes to Grand Gala at the National Stadium on Independence Day, while FREE, can be obtained at Juici Beef, Burger King and Tastee locations in Cross Roads, Half-Way Tree, Downtown, and Portmore.

WIN TICKETS TO THE FESTIVITIES FROM JAMAICANMOMMIES

Are you connected with Jamaican Mommies on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram? Now is a great time to do so as we will be giving away tickets to several of the events over the Emancipation and Independence period. 

P.S.  Have you checked out our new Jamaica Mommies affiliate yet?! Pop on by www.extrahandsja.com. It’s all about connecting Service Providers and Customers!! So List your services for FREE or subscribe for listing updates!!
Cheers,

J Mom signature

Nothing can stop the man with the right mental attitude from achieving his goal; nothing on earth can help the man with the wrong mental attitude.
Thomas Jefferson
Share This

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

error

Enjoy this blog? Please spread the word :)

RSS
Follow by Email
YouTube
YouTube
Pinterest
Pinterest
fb-share-icon
Instagram