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How Do Jamaicans Celebrate Emancipation Day?
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By Venesha Johnson | Associate Writer
Happy Emancipation Day Jamaica! What a journey it has been and look how far we have come since we were officially emancipated on August 1st, 1838. Now we look at the past with nothing but gratitude and celebrate the hard work and sacrifices of our ancestors.
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So, how do Jamaicans celebrate Emancipation Day? Let me first say I really think as a nation we can do much more on Emancipation Day. The celebrations on Emancipation Day tend to pale in comparison to Independence Day, which is a few days later on August 6, when there are many more celebrations and excitement. But with that said, how do we celebrate?
1. Vigils
This is a tradition that goes way back to the day we were emancipated. We would traditionally keep vigils on July 31 and then at midnight church bells would ring out and drums played in parks and public squares to re-enact the first moments of freedom for our enslaved African ancestors.
2. Re-Enactment Of The Reading Of The Emancipation Declaration:
On Emancipation Day, there is usually a re-enactment of the reading of the Emancipation Declaration in some of our town centres, especially in Spanish Town, which was the country’s capital when the Emancipation Act was passed in 1838. This is where the initial Emancipation Declaration was read at midnight on July 31, 1838.
It is said that the celebration was first commemorated when our enslaved ancestors travelled to the mountaintops to watch the sunrise, as a symbolic gesture for the new beginnings in their lives. As dawn broke, their thanksgiving rituals extended to the churches throughout the land.
3. Seville Great House Emancipation Jubilee
One of our greatest Emancipation Day celebrations is the Seville Great House Emancipation Jubilee, held at Seville Heritage Park in St. Ann. Seville is considered the genesis of Jamaica, with its rich history dating back over a thousand years. It has been home to the Taino, Spanish, African, and English peoples. The Emancipation Jubilee began in 1997 to commemorate the re-establishment of Emancipation Day, and it has since become a flagship event celebrating Jamaica's cultural heritage.
The Jubilee includes live music, traditional food, and cultural displays, showcasing the best of Jamaican culture. It also pays tribute to four enslaved Africans whose remains were excavated from the African Village at Seville and reburied on Emancipation Day in 1997. The event honours the end of African enslavement and the beginning of freedom, drawing people from all over the island to participate in this cultural extravaganza.
4. Community Fundays and Cookouts
On Emancipation Day, many communities organize fundays and cookouts where families and friends gather to enjoy food, games, and entertainment. At these events we have local vendors selling food and drinks, including some of our traditional favourites like jerk chicken, jerk pork, and curried goat. This is especially so for rural communities that are out of the city.
5. Beach Days and Picnics
As Jamaicans, every holiday, the beaches are always packed and on Emancipation Day it is no different. Families and friends pack their coolers with ice and drinks, bring sandwiches and many make sure to grab a bucket of KFC chicken before they head to the beach. Our beach days are usually filled with playing games, listening to music and meeting new friends.
6. Parties and Music Events
Partying in Jamaica is our major way of celebrating. Not just parties either, there are major events like the Montego Bay Jerk Festival that feature fun games, and a variety of jerk dishes, and is a perfect opportunity for the entire family to get out. In The night the kids are sent home and the adults get to dance the night away and enjoy performances by local artists.
If you are a visitor this is the perfect time for you to visit Emancipation Park. It is located in Kingston and was opened on the eve of Emancipation Day, July 31, 2002. Back in 2003, the park unveiled the iconic 11-foot bronze sculpture "Redemption Song" by Jamaican artist Laura Facey. The sculpture, depicting a male and female gazing skyward, symbolizes their triumphant rise from the horrors of slavery. Inspired by the words of Marcus Garvey and Bob Marley, "None but ourselves can free our minds," the sculpture stands as a powerful tribute to Jamaica's journey to freedom.
Emancipation Day in Jamaica is a day of coming together, acknowledging our journey to freedom and being grateful for where we are today, as we celebrate with our families and friends.
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References & Sources For How Do Jamaicans Celebrate Emancipation Day?
- Whats On - sevillehp. (2018, August 30). Sevillehp. https://sevilleheritagepark.gov.jm/whats-on/#
- Yahoo is part of the Yahoo family of brands. (n.d.). https://www.yahoo.com/lifestyle/5-things-know-emancipation-day-163901876.html?
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