January marks the end of the festive season but not the end of festivities in Jamaica! There’s an abundance of things to do in Jamaica in January for visitors escaping the cold winter months on our warm tropical shores. It all starts with celebrating the New Year at a vivacious family fair, spirited praise and worship experience, or glamorous soiree complete with unlimited champagne and fabulous displays of fireworks lighting up the night’s sky.
Rebel Salute
January 17 & 18
One of the most popular reggae festivals in Jamaica happens annually in January in the lush garden parish of St. Ann. Rebel Salute has established itself as a premier cultural festival, welcoming thousands of visitors each year. The buzzing atmosphere celebrates the vibrant and virtuous Rastafari culture with ital food, music, marijuana, and righteous performances from reggae and dancehall’s best spanning the two-day festival.
Mocha Fest Blackout Party
January 18
One of the newer party weekend experiences to come alive on local shores, Mocha Fest proclaims to be the “Hottest Urban Festival on Earth” and takes place in Negril over the U.S. Memorial Day Weekend. But you don’t have to wait until May to get a taste of Mocha Fest—they launch in January with a sizzling black-themed party on Montego Bay’s Jimmy Cliff Boulevard.
Peter’s Players Winterfest
January 23-30
If you’re a fan of rock ‘n’ roll, jazz, and blues, then you’ll want to check out the lineup of Peter’s Players Winterfest in Montego Bay. This multiday music festival features performances from Paul Nelson, Peter Rivera with Ana Popovic, and Matt Andersen.
Fan Matsuri
January 25
Fans of Japanese culture will want to check out the Fan Matsuri 2020: Anime and Japanese Cultural Festival in Kingston. This daytime event features cosplay competition, Japanese games, contests, performances, and booths with Japanese-themed merchandise for sale.
CArt Show
January 30 - February 2
Celebrated Jamaican painter Milton Messam expresses Caribbean life and our tropical landscapes masterfully on his canvas. He displays his latest pieces at CArt Show at the Mandeville Hotel, providing you with a special opportunity to meet the master and take home one of his famed creations.