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.
Recently too, Minister of Youth and Culture the Hon. Lisa Hanna shared why we should celebrate independence so have a look
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Emancipation to Independence
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DATE
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EVENT
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VENUE
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DESCRIPTION
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Sunday July 26
10:00 am |
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National Thanksgiving Service
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St. Jago De La Vega Cathedral, Spanish Town
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Service to celebrate the country’s Emancipation & Independence.
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7 DAYS OF CELEBRATIONS
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DAY 18:00 pm
Friday July 31
10:00 pm |
Emancipation Jubilee
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Seville Heritage Park,
St. Ann’s Bay
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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.
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Emancipation Vigil
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All Parishes Island-wide
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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.
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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
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Independence Village – RWEC
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Jamaica Day celebrates Jamaica’s bountiful food, and our creative and nutritious meals, beverages, treats, and health offerings.
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Market Place
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Hope Road
(Kings House Gate to Ardene Rd)
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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.
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Lunch Hour Concert
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Independence Village – RWEC
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Lunch hour concert features award winning performers from the Festival of the Arts and other notable performers and cultural groups.
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The Chat Room
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Independence Village – RWEC
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A 90 minutes Panel Discussion/Symposium on relevant and topical issues that is geared towards stimulating the thoughts of the young and old generations
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Coronation of Miss Jamaica Festival Queen 2015
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Independence Village – RWEC
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The thirteen Parish Festival Queens will vie for the coveted title of Miss Jamaica Festival Queen.
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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
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Island-wide
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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.
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Pickney-Pendence
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Independence Village – RWEC
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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
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Lunch Hour Concert
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Independence Village – RWEC
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As previously outlined.
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The Chat Room
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Independence Village – RWEC
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As previously outlined.
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Jamaica Gospel Song Showcase and Finals
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Independence Village – RWEC
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The culmination of the Jamaica Gospel Song Competition with participants drawn from across the island. The winner will be determined.
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DAY 4
12:30 – 1:30 pm
Monday August 3
3:00-4:30 pm 6:00 pm 8:00 pm |
Lunch Hour Concert
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Independence Village – RWEC
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As previously outlined.
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‘‘Aunty Roachie Festival’
The Literary Festival
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Independence Village – RWEC
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Aunty Roachie Festival will serve to showcase the creative talent of our Literary and Film Communities.
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The Chat Room
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Independence Village – RWEC
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As previously outlined.
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Fashion Greets Music
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Independence Village – RWEC
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“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.
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Film Festival
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Independence Village – RWEC
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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.
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Day 5
12:00 noon
12:30 – 1:30 pm 3:00-4:30 PM Tuesday August 4
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Village Activities
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Independence Village – RWEC
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Regular activities commence in the village from 12:00 noon to 8:00 pm.
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Lunch Hour Concert
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Independence Village – RWEC
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As previously outlined.
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The Chat Room
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Independence Village – RWEC
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As previously outlined.
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Mello–Go-Roun
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Independence Village – RWEC
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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.
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Day 6
12:00 noon 12:30 – 1:30 pm
3:00-4:30 PM Wednesday August 5
8:00 pm |
Village Activities
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Independence Village – RWEC
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Regular activities continue in the village from 12:00 noon to 8:00 pm.
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Lunch Hour Concert
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Independence Village – RWEC
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As previously outlined.
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The Chat Room
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Independence Village – RWEC
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As previously outlined.
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World Reggae Dance Championship
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Independence Village – RWEC
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Grand finals of the World Reggae Dance Championship.
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9:00 am
12:00 noon 1:30 – 5:00 pm 6:00 pm Thursday, August 6
6:00 pm |
Independence Day Parade
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Lawns of King’s House
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The annual Independence Day parade features a military display and the presentation of Independence Messages by the national leaders.
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Village Activities
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Independence Village – RWEC
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Regular activities continue in the village from 12:00 noon.
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Pickney-Pendence
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Independence Village – RWEC
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As previously outlined.
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Grand Gala
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National Stadium
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Grand Gala
Viewing Party
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Independence Village – RWEC
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The Grand Gala will be beamed live on big screens to the Independence Village followed by an after party with recorded music.
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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.
