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Jamaican Food Culture And Traditions
Your Top Must-Knows

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frenchmans_cove_theculturetripJamaican Food Culture And Traditions | Your Top Must-Knows

By Venesha Johnson | Associate Writer

As an island, Jamaica may not be rich financially, but our diverse food, culture and traditions certainly make us wealthy. Visiting is a one-of-a-kind experience, and to make the best of it when you are here it will be good for you to know some of the key aspects, of what makes us “unique”. So if you're planning to visit, here's what you should know about our food, culture, and traditions to help you fully immerse yourself in my island's way of life.

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1. Food: The Heart of Jamaica

jamaican_jerk_pork_authentic_realJamaican Jerk Pork

What I love most about our food is how bold it is in flavour and the fact that we pulled from many other cultures, to make something uniquely ours. Our cuisine has influences from places like Africa, India and the UK. So as a newbie to Jamaican food here are the foods that are key foods that you must try.

  1. Jerk Cooking: This is perhaps the most popularly known globally and the most iconic cooking style in Jamaica. Jerk itself simply refers to our method of marinating meat (chicken, pork, fish, lobster) in a fiery blend of allspice, scotch bonnet peppers, thyme, and other spices, then slow-cooked over pimento wood in a Jerk pan.

  2. Ackee and Saltfish: This is our national dish. It’s a combination of ackee, which is a native fruit, with salted codfish, cooked with onions, tomatoes, and spices. It makes a perfect breakfast dish when paired with boiled food, like green bananas and yam, fried dumplings or breadfruit.

  3. Curry and Brownstew: These are definitely the 2 most popular, everyday methods to prepare protein in Jamaica. We curry or brownstew just about everything, chicken, fish, pork and even beef. The best thing about these two methods is that it is great for any meal of the day, breakfast, lunch or dinner.

  4. Patties: You have not experienced Jamaica if you haven't tried a patty. It’s a flaky pastry filled with seasoned beef, chicken, or vegetables. They are easy to find and perfect for a quick yet filling and tasty snack.

2. Culture: A Melting Pot of Influences

Dancehall Albums

Like our food, our culture is quite diverse. It’s deeply rooted in African traditions, with influences from its colonial past, the Rastafarian movement, and its people’s vibrant spirit. 

  1. Music and Dance: No conversation about Jamaican culture is complete without mentioning reggae and dancehall music, both of which originated in Jamaica. Reggae legends like Bob Marley used their music to tell stories of struggle, hope, and unity, while dancehall offers a more upbeat, party-like energy.

  2. Festivals: Jamaicans love a good celebration, and the island’s festivals reflect that passion. From Reggae Sumfest to Carnival, these events are an explosion of music, dance, food, and culture, offering visitors a taste of Jamaica’s lively spirit.

  3. Rastafarian Influence: Rastafarian culture is a significant part of Jamaica's identity. Beyond its religious beliefs, Rastafarianism promotes natural living, reflected in the popular "ital" diet, which consists of organic, plant-based foods, free from additives.

3. Traditions: Strong Roots and a Sense of Community

gayle_heritage_family_dinner_december_25_2018_wellesley_nateisha_dwight_tanya_gayle

Jamaicans hold strong to their traditions, many of which stem from African heritage and have evolved over time.

  1. Family and Community: Family is at the core of Jamaican life. Large family gatherings, especially around the dinner table, are common. Sharing food is an essential part of social bonding, and visitors will often find themselves warmly welcomed to partake in meals, whether at someone’s home or at a local festival.

  2. Patois Language: The local dialect, Jamaican Patois (or Creole), is a reflection of the island's history and cultural mix. While English is the official language, Patois is widely spoken and adds flavour to everyday conversations.

  3. Traditional Celebrations: Holidays like Emancipation Day and Independence Day (both celebrated in August) are steeped in tradition. Parades, festivals, and family gatherings often feature traditional music, dance, and, of course, food.

Our food, culture, and traditions are inseparable, each one influencing and enhancing the other. So, when you visit, take the time to savour our food, immerse yourself in the culture, and embrace the traditions that make Jamaica truly unique.

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References & Sources For Jamaican Food Culture And Traditions

  1. Popular Culture In Jamaica. (n.d.). My-Island-Jamaica.com. https://www.my-island-jamaica.com/popular_culture_in_jamaica.html
  2. Delectable Food from Jamaica - Tasty Jamaican Food & Drinks. (n.d.). My-Island-Jamaica.com. https://www.my-island-jamaica.com/food_from_jamaica.html
  3. Jamaican Tradition and Customs. (n.d.). My-Island-Jamaica.com. https://www.my-island-jamaica.com/jamaicantradition-and-customs.html

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