Thu | May 7, 2026

Jamaica turns 48 in style

Published:Sunday | August 1, 2010 | 12:00 AM
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Jamaica Cultural Development Commission/Jamaica Gospel Song Competition runner-up Lee Roy 'Ancient Priest' Johnson gets on his knees while singing during the finals at the Ranny Williams Entertainment Centre, Hope Road, recently. - Winston Sill/Freelance Photographer
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Bandana, marching bands, music, costumes, floats, food and much more will be highlighted at Jamaica’s 48th independence celebration as the Jamaica Cultural Development Commission rolls out a full week of exciting activities that will bring out the patriot in every Jamaican.

From Friday gone to Friday coming, the entire island comes alive under the theme ‘I Believe in Jamaica’ as black, green and gold will cover buntings, banners and buildings when every-day Jamaicans come out and support the annual series of activities which, every year, restore pride to the hearts and minds of adults and children alike.


The celebrations began at Ranny Williams Entertainment Centre with the much-anticipated Jamaica Festival Song Competition on Friday and followed with the Emancipation Jubilee, organised by the Jamaica National Heritage Trust, at the Seville Great House in St Ann.


Today, the Emmanuel apostolic Church at 12 Slipe Road is the gathering place for the Independence Thanksgiving Service, slated for 9:30 a.m., with similar services scheduled islandwide.


August morning, Monday, August 2, will be bright and busy with August Fair and Culinary Show at the Ranny Williams Entertainment Centre starting at 10, while fans of popular dance culture are in for a treat later on as the World Reggae Dance Championship is set to take over the centre come 8 p.m.


It is all about ‘Mello Go Roun’ at the National Arena at 8 p.m. on Wednesday and the Independence Day Parade on the lawns of King’s House at 9 p.m., Friday. Independence Day Civic Ceremony will take place at Sam Sharpe Square in Montego Bay, St James, at 10 a.m., with similar ceremonies being held islandwide.


Western Jamaica Gala comes to Dump Up Beach in Montego Bay at noon, while the capital city becomes the site of the spectacle of colours with the annual Independence Street Parade, which kicks off at the Ranny Williams Entertainment Centre at midday. This will culminate at the National Stadium where the Jamaica Independence Festival Grand Gala is set for 5 p.m.


Those who cannot make it to the stadium, will get to feel the vibes and experience the cultural offerings at the Independence Street Dance at Half-Way Tree square at 8 p.m., with similar street concerts taking place islandwide.