Travelers visiting Jamaica can explore the island’s rich cultural heritage during their next vacation. With its lush foliage, breathtaking scenery and wide range of historical attractions, visitors can make their next vacation an adventurous and memorable experience as they discover the distinct culture of the island.
“More and more visitors are looking to go beyond sun, sand and sea and explore the history and culture of a destination,” said Paul Pennicook, Jamaica’s Director of Tourism. “With a diverse range of attractions available islandwide, we are eager to welcome those visitors to Jamaica who want to learn more about our rich cultural heritage, aptly referred to in our motto, Out of Many, One People.”
From the capital city, Kingston, to the tourism mecca of Montego Bay, tourists can take a cultural journey and discover the history of Jamaica through a sampling of offerings.
Devon House, Kingston
Sitting on 11 lush acres in the capital city, the stately Devon House mansion, built in 1891, was the home of Jamaica’s first black millionaire, George Stiebel. Furnished with a collection of 19th-century antiques from Jamaica and the Caribbean region, the house tells the tale of privileged West Indian society in the Victorian era. The ballroom still has the original English chandelier purchased by Stiebel for the room. Visitors to the historical site can go back in time with a tour of the Georgian-style great house.
Today, the old stables, kitchen and other buildings on the property host some of Jamaica’s finest restaurants, confectioneries and souvenir shops. Devon House I Scream, makers of Jamaica’s premier brand of ice cream, has its flagship store at the location, and has been named among National Geographic’s Top 10 Places to Eat Ice Cream. www.devonhousejamaica.com
Great Huts, Port Antonio
On a visit to Great Huts either for relaxation or for the cultural experience, guests will notice the hotel’s commitment to detail. The property embraces the local Jamaican culture and her African roots with enthusiasm.
Throughout the resort, authentic crafted works of art made by Jamaican sculptors, woodcarvers, clay-potters and painters are on display. There’s a regular program of cultural activities in which interested persons can participate. All guests are invited to the Safari Deck Restaurant every Saturday night for its Cultural show, where they can enjoy a performance by the local dance group showcasing the African music, dance and drumming, brought over to Jamaica by the ancestors. www.greathuts.com
Montego Bay Cultural Centre
On a visit to the tourist capital, arts enthusiasts, won’t want to miss the Montego Bay Cultural Centre located in Sam Sharp Square. Formerly the Montego Bay Civic Centre, the facility which underwent major refurbishing, is now the site of a permanent art gallery. The centre also houses a museum, a space for the performing arts, a bistro, an artisan village and a gift shop.
Meet The People
What better way to learn about an island’s culture than through its people? The Meet the People program, organized by the Jamaica Tourist Board, allows visitors to be matched with Meet the People Ambassadors who share a common profession, hobby, or interest that will enhance their enjoyment of another side of Jamaica.
Participants get to join in a wide range of activities, such as hiking, visiting a church, a school or farm, or conversing over a cup of Jamaica’s famous Blue Mountain coffee. Whatever the focus, these activities are uniquely Jamaican, providing an island experience that only the people can create.
Visit Jamaica, www.visitjamaica.com