Do people celebrate Thanksgiving in Jamaica?
If you’re visiting Jamaica in the Fall, or simply curious about Jamaican holidays and culture, you might be wondering: Do they celebrate Thanksgiving in Jamaica?
Since we lived for two years in rural Jamaica and received a very thorough cultural training in Jamaica from Peace Corps, we thought we’d include this topic in our Jamaican Culture series.
As you may know, the United States celebrates Thanksgiving on the third or fourth Thursday of November. Thanksgiving is also celebrated in Canada, though it’s not a national Canadian holiday, on the second Monday in October.
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About Jamaica and Thanksgiving
Since many Jamaicans have strong ties to the U.S. and Canada, many are familiar with the holiday and some may even celebrate with their families abroad.
When we lived in Jamaica for two years during Peace Corps, we gathered with our fellow Americans, other expats, and Jamaican friends to share a potluck dinner for Thanksgiving.
It was definitely one of our favorite cultural traditions to share from home.
Our Thanksgiving potluck in Jamaica
All that said, Thanksgiving is not an official holiday in Jamaica.
We know many Jamaicans to be exceptional at expressing gratitude for their blessings, especially people of faith.
Interestingly, saying “thank you” to each other is not embedded in daily Jamaican culture, unlike in North America where it is considered integral to politeness. (In Jamaica, acknowledging and greeting each person in the room is more important polite behavior.) For this reason, some Jamaicans find that we Americans say “thank you” excessively and unnecessarily!
The idea of celebrating a good harvest may land differently in Jamaican culture. For one, growing seasons are much different in the Caribbean, so there’s not the same association of harvesting and Autumn.
Also, other aspects of Thanksgiving are naturally different, as the Jamaican experience concerning native peoples, colonization, and land ownership are not necessarily parallel with our country’s history.
What national holidays do Jamaicans celebrate?
Jedd at community center staff Christmas party
There are 10 national holidays celebrated each year in Jamaica. These include universal holidays like New Year’s Day, Christmas Day, and Labour Day (which is celebrated in May).
Like the UK and many other countries, Jamaica also celebrates Boxing Day, the day after Christmas. They also observe several Christian holidays like Ash Wednesday, Good Friday, and Easter Monday.
Two very important public holidays take place in August: Emancipation Day and Independence Day. Both are holidays filled with national pride and cultural festivities that honor Jamaica’s history. Today, Emancipation Day is celebrated through the reenactment of a reading of the Emancipation Declaration in town centers such as Spanish Town.
During Independence Day on August 6th, the main forms of celebration are street parades, fireworks, and a grand gala showcasing Jamaican culture. The main festival takes place in the National Stadium in Kingston but there are many other activities held all over the island like in Montego Bay, Negril, and Ocho Rios.
Another important Jamaican holiday is National Heroes Day which takes place in October. This holiday commemorates the national heroes who fought for Jamaica’s independence from the British Empire in 1962.
What holidays do Jamaicans celebrate in October and November?
The only holiday that Jamaican people celebrate during this time of year is National Heroes Day. It’s usually celebrated on the third Monday of October.
It specifically honors the seven national heroes who led the fight for independence and made significant contributions to the nation’s modern development.
The day is marked by different celebrations such as flag-raising, tree-planting activities, concerts, and services to commemorate the heroes. You can even also see children dressing up as their favorite heroes. Each year, there are also award ceremonies held that recognize modern-day heroes who have made outstanding contributions to Jamaica.
As we mentioned earlier, people do not officially celebrate Thanksgiving in Jamaica but some may observe the foreign holiday if they have ties to the U.S. or Canada.
What’s it like in Jamaica in November?
November in Jamaica is actually one of the best times to visit! Though there really is no bad time to visit, November is marked by fewer crowds and sunny weather.
Peak season in Jamaica is from mid-December to mid-April, making November the start of shoulder season.
This means prices are low so you’ll likely find better deals on flights and accommodation. It’s also ideal for those who are looking for a more quiet and relaxed trip since there are fewer tourists and crowds in the beaches or resorts.
For the weather, Jamaica boasts a tropical climate so warm temperatures are expected all-year round, similar to other Caribbean islands like Dominican Republic or Cuba.
Unfortunately, there are also hurricanes and heavy rainstorms. November is actually the end of the rainy season so rainfall is not necessarily a daily occurrence. But there is a small risk of hurricanes since November falls under hurricane season.
If you want to know more about what Jamaica is like during this month and other times of the year, read our guide on the best time to visit Jamaica.
What to know if you invite a Jamaican to Thanksgiving
Our outdoor Thanksgiving dinner in Jamaica during Peace Corps
Thanksgiving is one of the best ways to share home culture with your Jamaican friends. Though many are familiar with the holiday, not many celebrate Thanksgiving in Jamaica so inviting them to Thanksgiving dinner is a great way of showing them what the holiday is all about.
Of course, food is a big part but not everyone has the same palate so at the end of the day, remember that it’s more about bringing different cultures together!
With that being said, there are some practical things you should take into account when preparing your holiday feast. Turkey is not especially popular in Jamaica. Some people don’t enjoy eating it since it can taste gamey and dry.
Also, avoid preparing pork-based recipes because many Jamaicans don’t eat pork for religious reasons.
This brings us to another point. Make sure to identify the dishes you’re serving! Not only will your guests appreciate knowing what they’re eating and who prepared it, but it’s a great way to share more about the dish.
If you’ll be in Jamaica during Thanksgiving week and you’re going to be hosting a Thanksgiving dinner to invite your local friends, keep in mind that some staples like turkey and cranberry sauce might be hard to find. Think of alternatives or plan your menu in advance so you can order ingredients early on.
Caribbean-inspired dishes you could add to your Thanksgiving meal
- Johnny Cakes – This is a soft, fluffy, buttery fried dumpling. It can be served as a side dish, dipped in soup or stew, or used as bread for sandwiches.
- Rice and Peas – This is one of Jamaica’s most typical side dishes. It’s rice mixed in with red kidney beans (peas) and coconut milk.
- Sweet plantains – Sweet plantains are popular across different cultures, with each country having their own version. In Jamaica, they’re best enjoyed ripe and fried, alongside meals or simply as a snack.
- Coconut Curry Fish – This dish is made with cod or any white fish and bell peppers covered in a delicious curry sauce made of coconut milk, curry powder, and spices.
- Sorrel Drink – This is a popular drink enjoyed during the holidays in Jamaica. It’s made of sorrel, a hibiscus flower that is dried and then sweetened with sugar and ginger.
Learn more about Jamaican foods here >
Thanksgiving Day is an important part of American culture. Whether you’re spending time in Jamaica during the fall or you have Jamaican friends, a fun way of sharing this part of our culture is by inviting your Jamaican friends to a Thanksgiving feast!
More Jamaica posts:
Current Jamaica Travel Restrictions (updated regularly)
Our Jamaican Culture Series + Jamaica 101 Video
8 Packing Essentials for Jamaica
Where to Stay in Jamaica
What to Eat in Jamaica
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