Jamaican Culture

Jamaican Culture

The Caribbean island of Jamaica is known for its colorful culture and long list of traditions. From the music that makes the perfect beach playlist, to the food that you will love sampling while you’re there, like jerk chicken and other Caribbean recipes.

The Language of Jamaica

The official language of the island is English, so you will have no problems communicating with local people, if that is your native language. However, Jamaican residents have a distinctive linguistic style that you will likely have heard before, Jamaican Patois. This will help you interact with and relate to the locals more.

The local dialect combines elements of other languages, from Spanish and African dialects, to Irish, British and American phrases.

Jamaican Cuisine

The cuisine of Jamaica is now well known throughout the world, and there is a good reason why. It is absolutely delicious! Jamaican cuisine focuses on huge flavors, with plenty of Caribbean spices that really pack a punch. One of the most famous dishes in Jamaica is jerk chicken, a fiery chicken dish that combines the heat of scotch bonnet peppers with other spices like thyme, pepper, cinnamon, cloves and allspice. 

Traditional Jamaican Clothing

When you travel around Jamaica, you might notice people adorned in the bright, bold traditional clothing that the country is known for. Traditional Jamaican clothing is made of calico cloth, with dresses handmade in amazing bright prints that definitely draw the eye. .

Religion in Jamaica

Religion goes hand in hand with Jamaican family culture, and you will notice as you travel around the island that there are churches almost everywhere you look. In fact, there are more churches per square mile in Jamaica than there are anywhere else in the world! In Jamaica, there are a wide range of different types of Christianity being practiced. As well as Anglicans, Catholics and Baptists, you will find Presbyterians, Methodists and Seventh Day Adventists. Not only that, Jamaica is also home to many communities of Jews, Muslims, Hindus and of course Rastafarians.

Jamaican People and Culture

• Jamaican beliefs include the local practice of burying newborns’ umbilical cords beneath trees.

• Night nights -On the ninth night, they sing farewell songs to the deceased person, and rearrange the furnishings.

• Marriage Celebrations- the cutting of the cake is an important part, and signifies the closing of the wedding party.