Let’s get together and feel alright

The Annual JCAC Emancipation and Independence Celebrations

Every year the country observes in early August the emancipation from slavery in 1838 and political independence in 1962.  The Jamaica Cultural Development Commission plays a leading role in organizing national events to observe these dates.

Under the theme ‘Let’s get together and feel alright’, a line from the popular Bob Marley song One Love, the celebrations starts on July 31, with the Emancipation and Independence Church Service, the Emancipation Jubilee, as well as, the finals of the gospel song competition.

The Independence Village at the Ranny Williams Entertainment Centre in St Andrew opens on August 2, and this will be the home to all the major national events.

Among the events to be staged there are the Independence fashion show, under the theme ‘Wear it in gold and stripe it bold’; Mello-Go-Round; World Reggae Dance Championships, and the Reggae to Rio Concert — an event which ties in Jamaica’s music with the opening ceremony of the Olympic Games in Brazil.

The events culminate with the Grand Gala inside the National Stadium, as well as similar events in parish capitals.

Website: http://jcdc.gov.jm/events.php