When is the best time of year to visit Jamaica? If you’re a foodie, the answer is easy – it’s whenever you want it to be. That’s because Jamaicans never miss an opportunity to celebrate their rich culinary heritage, and they’re cooking up experiences year-round you won’t want to miss. Food festivals in praise of jerk, seafood, coffee, rum and more make this Caribbean island an all-seasons foodie destination. Whether you’re heading down to the third-largest island in the Caribbean Sea in July to experience rum and reggae on the beach at the Jamaica Rum Festival, or visiting in March to enjoy the best coffee in the Caribbean (and some would argue, the world) at the Jamaica Blue Mountain Coffee Festival, there’s something special for culinary travellers all 12 months of the year.
Jamaica Blue Mountain Coffee Festival (March)
The Caribbean’s leading coffee festival celebrates coffee, culture and community high in the lush green hillside of the majestic Blue and John Crow Mountains. The annual event brings together farmers, retailers, baristas, chefs, musicians and mixologists to celebrate Jamaica’s legendary Blue Mountain Coffee while soaking up sprawling mountain views. Sample a range of bean-to-cup beverages from the island’s coffee producers, watch talented baristas compete, shop for coffee-infused products and more.
bluemountaincoffeefest.com
Jamaica Rum Festival (July)
Rum is the national drink of Jamaica, and the annual days-long Jamaica Rum Festival celebrates it to the fullest. With world-class rum tastings, delicious food options and exciting music and entertainment, this annual summer festival has something for everyone. Educational workshops invite visitors to explore the flavours and traditions that make this island favourite so special.
jamaicarumfestival.com
Maroon Jerk Festival (August)
Hosted in early August, this sizzling summertime festival gives foodies the opportunity to sample the island’s best jerk cuisine. The Maroons are the original creators of jerk cuisine, now famous across Jamaica and the world. Before, during and after the Maroon Jerk Fest, visitors can book tours of the Rio Grande Valley, which is within the Blue & John Crow Mountains National Park UNESCO World Heritage Site, where the festival is held.
maroonjerkfest.com
Jamaica Food & Drink Festival (November)
Every November, Jamaica’s cultural capital comes alive with a celebration that showcases the true depth and versatility of the island’s food and drink scene. Chefs, restaurateurs, producers, and wine and spirit purveyors from across the island come together to host exclusive multi-course dinners, rum tours, live cooking demonstrations and a mouth-watering street food market, among other attractions. Look for Jamaican specialties like ackee and saltfish, beef patties, curries and more.
jafoodanddrink.com
Treasure Beach Food, Rum & Reggae Festival (November)
Visitors can savour unique flavours and locally grown delights from the island’s thriving farming region each November on Jamaica’s South Coast. The three-day celebration includes culinary-themed excursions, interactive cocktail tastings, live stage shows and much more. Foodies will get a true taste of Jamaica’s ‘breadbasket’ parish by touring local farms, sampling spirits from world-class rum producers and watching live chef demonstrations with local legends. This year, Jakes Restaurant in Treasure Beach will be hosting a number of the festivities, including a special Saturday-night dinner.
foodrumreggaefestival.com
