Subscribe for all my updates and don't miss a thing! Sign me up!

What Is Boxing Day In Jamaica?

Sharing Is Caring! Share this awesome content with your friends now.

start_here_if_new_image_link

see_jamaica_in_videos_banner_july_2024_large
JAMAICA_BEACH_PLANEWhat Is Boxing Day In Jamaica?

By Venesha Johnson | Associate Writer

While Christmas is the day for staying in with the family, cooking up a feast and relaxing with your family at the end of the day, Boxing Day is the day for fun, excitement and for some giving back.

New! Take a piece of Jamaica with you💃!

Savour the memories!  Now you can get your authentic Jamaican souvenir items, as well as traditional Jamaican herbs, spices and housewares on our popular e-store. Click Here to learn more.


And, if you ever need a trustworthy and knowledgeable local guide, consider booking a private tour with us!

But, what is Boxing Day even about? Well, I have heard two of a few explanations, firstly, it's a day that traces its roots back to old England.

Surprisingly, the name itself doesn't have anything to do with the sport of boxing. Instead, it's believed to have originated from the tradition of "boxing up" alms for the poor.

Back in the day, the British aristocracy would fill boxes with food, money, and other goodies, and then distribute them to servants and those less fortunate on the day after Christmas.

Another theory I heard, which is quite similar to the first, says Boxing Day was first observed in Britain in the Middle Ages.

Its name came from the custom of workers receiving gift boxes containing food or cash from their employers on the day following Christmas as a thank you for working on Christmas Day. The fact that the day was also off for the servants may have contributed to the holiday's eventual recognition.

Some claim that its roots were more altruistic. When a seaman was lucky enough to return from the sea, he or she would often donate to the local church. On Boxing Day, these boxes containing donations—typically coins—were opened and distributed to the underprivileged.

In one variation, two inmates are permitted to box against each other, with the winner receiving their freedom. That one is obviously false; it may have been said to visitors or kids to test their willingness to believe the elaborate story. Therefore, if someone tells you that, don't believe them.

Regardless of which scenario you believe today many people around the world celebrate Boxing Day, a holiday that is particularly dear to us Jamaicans. It is observed annually on December 26, which is the day following Christmas.

However, if the 26 falls on a weekend, it is celebrated on the following Monday. Along with many other nations, including the UK, Canada, and Australia, Jamaica also observes it as a public holiday.

The concept of Boxing Day may have made its way across the Atlantic with colonial influence. But, as you know, we Jamaicans have this incredible knack for infusing our unique flavour into everything. So, how do Jamaicans celebrate this day of giving?

First off, The Beach! Yes, in my opinion, Boxing Day should be considered National Beach Day, as it seems everyone heads to the beach on Boxing Day. The beach is crowded but oh so much fun. It’s perfect for mingling, having fun with your family and meeting new people.

Parties of course are a must. As Jamaicans, we know how to turn any occasion into a lively celebration, and Boxing Day is no exception. Christmas may be for laying back and relaxing, but Boxing Day is all about the fun and excitement. There are many parties held on Boxing Day, both day and night events. As a matter of fact, Sting, Jamaica’s longest-standing stage show, known for breaking out star artists and for the “baddest” reggae clashes, is held every year on Boxing Day.

Food is a big part of who we are right, but on boxing day, especially if we are going out, not much cooking is done. We are more likely to grab a bucket of KFC on the way to the beach and get some jerk chicken on the way home. Or maybe we have leftovers from what was prepared on Christmas Day, either way, there is no slaving away in the kitchen on Boxing Day.

And let's not forget the music. Reggae, dancehall, and soca tunes set the perfect mood for any celebration. Whether it's an organised street party or an impromptu gathering, you can bet that the beats will be infectious, and the dance moves will be on point.

The Pantomime is a big part of Christmas season. Each year the pantomime begins its 5 month run on boxing day. From December to May, the talented group of actors and actresses perform their play in front of a live audience. 

It's a pretty common family activity especially in the Kingston and the eastern parts of the island. Although the pantomime is inspired by Britain, it focuses on Jamaican culture and daily life, highlighting our music, dialect and so much more.

It’s not all fun and games for some though, it’s also a day for giving back. After spending time with our family on Christmas Day, some of us choose to give back to the poor and needy on Boxing Day, our way of giving back and giving thanks for all we have been provided through the year.

In a nutshell, Boxing Day in Jamaica is a perfect blend of tradition, family, and pure joy. It's a time to give, share, and celebrate with our loved ones. So, whether you're dancing in the streets, enjoying a quiet moment of reflection, or giving back to the less fortunate, one thing's for sure – Boxing Day in Jamaica is an experience like no other. Cheers to good times, good food, and good vibes.

You might like these

Sharing IS Caring! Please help me get the message out by sharing this article with your friends on social media (links below). Thnx ;-)


If you found this page useful, please consider subscribing to my weekly newsletter, to get even more. 

It tells you each week about the new information that I have added, including new developments and great stories from lovers of Jamaica! 

Return to Jamaican Christmas from What Is Boxing Day In Jamaica?
Return to My Island Jamaica Homepage from What Is Boxing Day In Jamaica?

References & Sources For What Is Boxing Day In Jamaica?

  1. says: L. and says: S. (2023a) Boxing Day in Jamaica: What is the day after Christmas called? Mais Oui Villa. Available at: https://makeitjamaica.com/blog/boxing-day-in-jamaica/ (Accessed: 26 December 2023).
  2. says: L. and says: S. (2023b) Boxing Day in Jamaica: What is the day after Christmas called? Mais Oui Villa. Available at: https://makeitjamaica.com/blog/boxing-day-in-jamaica/ (Accessed: 26 December 2023).

New! Comments

Have your say about what you just read! Leave me a comment in the box below.
Back To The Top Of This Page

New! Get My Latest Book👇🏿

JAMAICA_ON_A_BUDGET_EBOOK_COVER_LEAN

You asked, I've answered! You no longer need to save for months or years, to enjoy paradise!

JAMAICA On A Budget is your passport to experiencing what I call 'The Real Jamaica' on a budget!

I spilled the beans! sharing my top tips on finding cozy accommodations and secret gems, only the way a native could! Click Here to pick it up on my e-store and start saving now!

See The Best Of Jamaica - In Videos!

my_island_jamaica_channel_tv

My channel reaches over 140,000 subscribers worldwide and has leveraged over 11 million views, sharing, what I call 'The Real Jamaica'. Subscribe today and join our family of viewers.

Jamaica_subscribe_button

Read More ...

New! Experience The REAL Jamaica!
Book Your Private Tour here and experience Jamaica the way we (locals) do!

P.S. Didn't find what you were looking for? 
Still need help?

Click Here to try our dependable and effective Site Search tool. It works!

Or, simply click here and here, to browse my library of over 500 questions and answers! Chances are someone already asked (and got an answer to) your question.

copyscape
Back To The Top Of This Page

Like My Site? Please Click Here To Share It With Your Friends

Home   |   JOIN US   |   Site Search   |   Have Your Say   |   Archives   |   Old Archives   |   Contact   |   Disclaimer   |   TIP ME!   |   Link To Us


Do like I did! Share your passion
(about your city, hobby or experience) and make a living from it. Click Here to see how.

By Wellesley Gayle   |   Copyright © 2007-2024 My-Island-Jamaica.com   |   All rights Reserved.   |   Privacy Policy