Independence Events Diary

August Mawnin’ Market – August 1

On Emancipation Day, Thursday, August 1, the Jamaica 57 Independence Festival Village, located on the grounds of the National Arena in Kingston, opens bright and early at 7 o’ clock with the annual August Mawnin’ Market. This event replicates the popular ‘Sat’day’ shopping experience, inclusive of reasonably priced fresh produce on sale.

Festival Queen Grand Coronation – August 1

The highlight of Emancipation Day will be the Miss Jamaica Festival Queen Grand Coronation Show, providing the night’s entertainment, starting at 8 p.m.

World Reggae Dance – August 2

Friday, August 2, will see the highly anticipated finals of the World Reggae Dance Championship, which will bring dancers from across the globe to the National Arena, beginning at 8 p.m.

Mello-Go-Roun ‘– August 3

Saturday, August 4, will see the staging of Mello Go-Roun’, the premier family festival, which will feature the best in dance, drama, music, speech and traditional folk forms, also beginning at 8 p.m.

Jamaica Gospel Song – August 4

On Sunday, August 4, the National Arena will be filled with praise for the grand final of the Jamaica Gospel Song Competition, beginning at 7 p.m.

Grand Gala – August 6

Independence Day, Tuesday, August 6, will see the culmination of the Independence Festival activities with a grand affair at the National Stadium, with the annual cultural showcase, Grand Gala, beginning at 6 p.m.

While entryis free for the daily village is, tickets for each nightly show are adults: $1,000 presold and $1,200 at the gate, and children: $400. Presold tickets may be purchased from the JCDC Head Office at 3-5 Phoenix Avenue, Kingston 10, between 8:30 a.m. and 3:30 p.m. daily and at the Independence Village at the JCDC’s booth between noon and 5 p.m. daily.

Tickets may also be purchased at the following Fontana Pharmacy locations: Barbican, Ocho Rios, Montego Bay, Savanna-la-Mar and Mandeville.