Jamaican Holidays

Holidays in Jamaica include Christian holidays as well as Labor Day (May 23), Independence Day (6 August), Emancipation Day (1 August), and National Heroes Day (18 October). These holidays provide an opportunity for tourists to experience the true essence of Jamaica through its varied culture and active nightlife. Jamaica also observes public holidays, including Ash Wednesday, Good Friday, Easter Sunday and Monday, Christmas Day (Dec 25), and Boxing Day (Dec 26).Although, it feels like holiday time all year round in Jamaica, public holidays are great for embarking on a tour to the Caribbean. Many Internet sites and directories list the holidays and anniversaries that are celebrated in Jamaica. Some may also be found listed in the various travel guides and local newspapers and journals.With its balmy weather, Jamaica is more of a year-round destination. Nevertheless, it has a distinct High Holiday season running roughly from mid-December through mid-April. Hotels charge their highest prices during this peak winter period, when visitors fleeing cold north winds crowd the island to enjoy the sun-basked beaches.The off-season in Jamaica (approximately mid-April to mid-December) amounts to a summer sale. On the whole, hotel rates are cut at a startling twenty to sixty percent. Some package-tour charges are lowered by as much as twenty percent of the original, and individual tour airfares are reduced from five to ten percent. Additionally, airline seats and hotel room rates are favorable when bookings are done in bulk for family tours or for large travel groups.The curse of Jamaican weather, also called the hurricane season, officially lasts from early June to late November. Satellite weather forecasts usually give ample warning so that safety measures can be taken. Although, the advantages of off-season travel outweigh the disadvantages, there are drawbacks to summer travel.Jamaican hoteliers save their serious repairs and their major renovations until the off-season and hence, the services are often reduced during this time. Not all restaurants and bars in the resorts are fully operational. The number of staff personnel is also considerably sized down. Thus, although holiday time is a good occasion for starting a Jamaican vacation, all the other aspects should also be considered before taking up any tour package.

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