This Saturday (Aug. 6) Jamaicans around the world will celebrate the island’s 60th anniversary of independence, followed by a month of (and year-long) events in both Jamaica and Canada to commemorate the milestone occasion.
The Jamaica 60 theme is “Reigniting a Nation For Greatness,” and the Jamaica Tourist Board (JTB) is inviting Jamaicans living in Canada and friends of the Caribbean country to “come home” to rediscover their roots or reignite their passion for Jamaican culture.
There are more than 300,000 Jamaican-Canadians living in Canada and the JTB says Jamaica 60 events in this country will be especially meaningful for this group, though equally welcoming for any “friend of Jamaica” who want to help celebrate, or simply enjoy some Jamaican culture and heritage.
Among the events on Aug. 6 – Independence Day – Canadian landmarks from coast to coast will illuminate in Jamaican flag colour. Locations confirmed to flick the switch include Niagara Falls, Ottawa’s ByWard Market, Halifax City Hall, the Clock Tower at Mississauga Civic Centre, Brampton City Hall Clock Tower, and Science World in Vancouver. Edmonton’s High Level Bridge will also be illuminated on Aug. 8.
“This (lights activation) is one of our signature events for this year, and we couldn’t be more thrilled to share our pride across Canada.” says Angella Bennett, Regional Director, Jamaica Tourist Board Canada.
The Toronto and GTA, centre of the Jamaican diaspora in this country, of course, will be abuzz with activity:
• Bob Marley One Love Experience (through Sept. 5): Taking place in Toronto, this North American premiere has been extended, showcasing never-before-seen photographs and memorabilia and immersing Marley fans in a journey through his life, passions, influences, and enduring legacy.
• Jamaica 60 flag raising ceremonies: Flag raising ceremonies in celebration of Jamaica 60 will take place at Toronto City Hall (July 31), Markham (August 5), Mississauga (Aug. 5), Oshawa (Aug. 5), London (Aug. 5), Brampton (Aug. 6) and Hamilton City Hall (Aug. 7).
• Annual Jamaica Independence and Anniversary Gala (Aug. 13): The Jamaican Canadian Association will hold their annual independence gala event in Toronto.
• Film screenings of African Redemption: The Life and Legacy of Marcus Garvey (Aug. 13-14): These screenings will be held at select locations in Toronto and Brampton.
• Flow 98.7 FM Fly Away to Jamaica (Aug. 14-21): Radio listeners in the GTA are invited to join show hosts Red and Spex Da Boss as they broadcast their Morning Flava and Traffic Flow shows live from Jamaica.
• Falla Fashun fashion show (Aug. 21): Flair Management will host a fashion show at the Jamaica Canadian Association in Toronto.
• Sinting Fest on Eglinton West (Aug. 26-28): Stinting Fest will take place for three days in August and is designed to help revitalize Toronto’s Little Jamaica neighbourhood.
• Helping Hands Jamaica Foundation’s Jamrock Annual Gala (Oct. 21): This annual gala will be held at Palais Royale in Toronto with proceeds benefitting Jamaican children by providing resources for a better future and education.
Events in Jamaica
After a two-year hiatus, Jamaica’s popular annual festivals are back this year showcasing some of the country’s hottest local talents. With Jamaica’s 60th anniversary of independence, all local festivals this year will be extra celebratory, with signature summer festivals including Reggae Sumfest, Jamaica Dream WKND, and MoBay Jerk & Food Festival.
Special offers
• Jamaica 60 Sweet Deals & Specials: The Jamaica Tourist Board has worked with hotel and resort partners to offer a collection of deals across various destinations in Jamaica.
• ‘Join the Jubilee!’ Offer: Couples Resorts is celebrating Jamaica’s Diamond Jubilee with a special offer. Travellers that book by Aug. 31 for travel Aug. 1 through Dec. 16 will receive their 6th night free, a $60 resort credit and two times the Romance Rewards points.
“The Jamaica 60 theme is ‘Reigniting a Nation For Greatness,’ and… celebrations and preparations in Jamaica and Canada are in high gear and the excitement couldn’t be more palpable,” says Jamaican tourism minister Edmund Bartlett.
More information on these and other local Jamaica 60 events can be found HERE.