Celebrating New Year's Eve in Jamaica

New Year is a time for celebrations all over the island of Jamaica, when everyone lets their hair down and enjoys the festivities. This is a time when Jamaicans are truly happy, they forget their troubles and eagerly anticipate the year ahead.

As businesses and government offices close for the New Year break, hordes of Jamaicans and visitors flock to the gorgeous seaside resorts, the majestic cliffs and the mountains to celebrate the night. With cheap holidays to Jamaica available from Thomson and the prospect of sunshine, why not treat yourself? After all, Jamaica is said to be the most beautiful island in the Caribbean.

In fact, New Year’s Eve heralds an entire month of celebrations. This is a time for large, extended families to get together and enjoy themselves. Families traditionally prepare for the New Year celebrations by cleaning and decorating their houses, which they adorn with flowers, trees, plants and handicrafts. Streets and buildings are illuminated and decorated, and everyone greets one another with warm New Year wishes.

New Year celebrations abound everywhere on the island, ranging from stage shows to formal balls. Traditional Jamaican celebratory foods are enjoyed such as curried goat meat, soup made from a ram goat’s head called “manish water”, and rice cooked with red beans, all representing prosperity in the New Year.

Late-night party lovers are spoilt for choice. One of the most popular events is the massive New Year’s Eve party at the Sandy Resort in Negril. This annual beach celebration lets visitors soak up the lively Jamaican culture. It takes place on a “safe transformed beach setting” with full views of the fantastic annual midnight fireworks display; a truly unforgettable experience.

There are a variety of celebrations and parties to suit all tastes. However, with lots of parties going on in the hotels, bars and restaurants, some people might prefer to visit the more out-of-the-way bars on the cliffs.

Another successful New Year event that has been running now for some years is the complimentary New Year’s festivities at The Jewel Dunn’s River Beach Resort and Spa in Ocho Rios. These are said by guests to be well organised with excellent entertainment for visitors.

The carnival at Mas Camp and the Rebel Salute Music Festival both bring the strong Jamaican culture to life through music and folk traditions. Undoubtedly, New Year is one of the best times to experience the magic of Jamaica!