Maroon Christmas
ACCOMPONG TOWN, St Elizabeth — Curious and fascinated by Maroon culture, many first-time and returned local and international visitors make the trip here to be a part of the annual January 6 celebration.
The event is to recognise the signing of the peace treaty between Maroons and the British and honour former Maroon leader, captain Cudjoe, on his birthday.
The day and night activities include a civic ceremony, a cultural feast of Maroons singing, drumming and dancing, taking time out with their ancestors and sharing unsalted pork and ground provision, prepared under the shade of the ‘Kindah Tree,’ with visitors.
According to Maroon tradition, a taste of the unsalted meal will bring good luck for the new year.
The ‘Kindah’ (which means one family) is represented by an old mango tree on the Accompong property where, historians say, in the past Maroons met to plan strategies and resolve differences.
The celebration is also a commercial scene, as vendors from near and far converge with products and services such as food, drink, clothing and craft items for sale among the bustling crowd.