Independence Events Diary

August Mawnin’ Market – August 1

The Jamaica 57 Independence Festival Village, located on the grounds of the National Arena in Kingston, opens today at 7 a.m., with the annual August Mawnin’ Market. This event replicates the popular ‘Sat’day’ shopping experience, inclusive of reasonably priced, fresh produce on sale.

Festival Queen Grand Coronation – August 1

The highlight of today’s Emancipation Day will be the Miss Jamaica Festival Queen Grand Coronation at the National Arena, starting at 8 pm.

World Reggae Dance – August 2

Friday, August 2, will see the highly anticipated finals of the World Reggae Dance Championship, which will bring dancers from across the globe to the National Arena, beginning at 8 p.m.

Mello-Go-Roun – August 3

Saturday, August 4, is the staging of Mello Go-Roun’, the premier festival family event, which will feature the best of the best in dance, drama, music, speech and traditional folk forms, also beginning at 8 p.m.

Jamaica Gospel Song – August 4

On Sunday, August 4, the National Arena will be filled with praise for the grand final of the Jamaica Gospel Song Competition, beginning at 7 p.m.

Grand Gala – August 6

Independence Day, Tuesday, August 6 will see the culmination of the Independence Festival activities with a grand affair at the national stadium featuring the annual cultural showcase, Grand Gala, beginning at 6 p.m.

While the daily village is free for entry, tickets for each nightly show are adults $1,000 pre-sold and $1,200 at the gate; and children $400. Pre-sold tickets may be purchased from the JCDC head office at 3-5 Phoenix Ave, Kingston 10, between 8:30 am and 3:30 pm daily, and at the JCDC’s booth, Independence Village between 12 noon and 5 p.m. daily.

Tickets may also be purchased at the following Fontana Pharmacy locations: Barbican, Ocho Rios, Montego Bay, Savanna-la- mar and Mandeville.