Jamaica Carnival Jammin Guide

Welcome to Jamrock! The birthplace of reggae and dancehall, and famous for its beautiful beaches. But what you may not know is that Jamaica has one of the fastest growing Carnivals in the Caribbean with the costumes and fetes getting bigger and better every year! While Jamaica Carnival is similar to Trinidad Carnival, it brings the flavor and spice of Jamaica incorporating their own culture such as dancehall music into the festivities. For all you Carnival hoppers, Jamaica Carnival should definitely be added to your Carnival Bucket List. Here is all the information you should know when planning your Jamaica Carnival trip.

When is it?

Jamaica Carnival is usually held upon the arrival of Easter, so Road March usually takes place within the months of March and April. This year it was scheduled for the 19th April so coming for about 10 days would be ideal. However because of Covid-19 the Jamaican government put measures in place ensure the safety of their patrons leading to the postponement of Carnival. The new date is October 25, 2020. If you want the ideal Jamaican Carnival experience, the prime dates are October 19 to October 28.

How do I get there?

Jamaica has two airports: Norman Manley International(KIN) in Kingston and Sangster International Airport in Montego Bay (MBJ). Since Carnival takes place in Kingston your best bet at maximizing every second is to fly into Norman Manley International Airport. If you do fly into Montego Bay, you'll have to take a Knutsford Express Bus or a taxi into Kingston. That drive is about 3 hours long and another added expense you would have avoided if you just flew into Kingston. Also, roundtrip ticket prices can be as cheap as $400 USD but if you procrastinate on getting that ticket it can get as expensive as your costume. So trust me...BOOK NOW!

Where can I stay?

Kingston is the hub of Jamaica Carnival so you'll definitely want to stay there. New Kingston is the ideal place to stay as most of the hotels can be found there and it is central to the Road March route. Here are some popular hotels in New Kingston:

• The Jamaica Pegasus Hotel

• Courtyard Marriott

• Spanish Court Hotel

• Courtleigh Inn

• Knutsford Court Hotel

AirBnBs are another option for accommodation if you're looking to cut costs. Surrounding areas like Mona, Barbican, Manor Park, Cherry Gardens, Liguanae and Constant Spring are other places to stay that offer great AirBnBs. You may find cheaper places in areas such as Portmore and Spanish Town, but trust me the distance and the taxi fare may not be in line with your experience so try to stick to Kingston.

How do I get around?

The best option for getting around when you get to Jamaica is to organize with the contracted drivers from your hotel or to get in touch with some reputable travel companies. Some of these taxi companies include Gadge Pro, On Time Taxi, City Guide and Mortec. These companies are pretty similar to Uber where you can call or text them where you need to go. But these taxis are not metered so remember to confirm your fare at the beginning of the trip. Another option may even be to setup transportation for your trip with the taxi you used to get to your hotel from the airport. Many of these taxi drivers are super helpful and would be more than willing to lend you their services. Also, renting a car is another option for getting around but think veryyy carefully about that because Jamaican taxi drivers do not play around!

How do I play mas?

Jamaica Carnival has a one day parade called Road March which takes place on Sunday 25th October this year. If you would like the ultimate Jamaican Carnival experience you should register with a band. It includes unlimited access to premium drinks, music, breakfast and lunch, security and safety personnel, mobile restrooms and most of all your costume. There are 3 all-inclusive bands which I ranked in terms of price, the first being the most expensive.

1. Xaymaca International

2. Xodus Carnival

3. Bacchanal Jamaica

The best part about Jamaica Carnival is that it doesn't cost an arm and a leg to play in. Backline costumes cost as low as $400 USD while frontline costumes are about $600 to $1200 USD. Also unlike other Carnivals, in Jamaica you can create your own costume and jump on the road with the band, once you purchase a T-Shirt package which gives you the same experience for less at about $250 USD according to your band. Another thing that separates Jamaica Carnival from the rest is that these bands have their own separate route. So if you're playing with friends try to stick to the same band. Also, because Carnival has been postponed many people are reselling their costumes and these bands facilitated portals on their own sites for patrons to resell and purchase costumes. If you're interested you can get a look at the Xodus costumes from my Xodus Band Launch review.

Where to fete?

Every year the fetes in Jamaica Carnival double. With its growing attraction lots of Trinidadian promoters are taking their fetes to Jamaica to make a name for themselves. These fetes are really what make your Jamaican Carnival experience. To keep up to date with allll the fetes consult your fete bible from Lucy and Vagabond or download the Top Events JA app so you can know when all the fetes are. Ticket prices can range from $40 to $200 USD and can sell out pretty fast so be sure to get your hands on them. While I may not of had the luxury of attending every fete, here is a list of some popular fetes that I know will definitely make your experience.

• I Love Soca

• Sunkissed

• Candy Coated Cruise

• Wine Up

• Afloat

• Caesar's Army A.M. Bush JA

• Sunrise Breakfast Party

• Suits

• Hookie Jamaica

• PM Fete

• Moonshine

• Tuesday On The Rocks

• Tribe Ignite

• Bacchanal Jamaica Premium

• Bacchanal Jamaica Neon Jouvert

• Xaymaca Beach Lyme

• Scorch Duck Work

• Dusk

• Frenchmen Bazodee

How much should I budget?

Here is a small breakdown of potential costs in USD for the average Jamaica Carnival trip:

• Flight - $400+

• Accommodation - $200 to $800+

• Costume - $400 - $1200

• Transportation - $150 to $300

• Fetes - $500

• Spending Money - $75 to $125 per day

Total Cost - $2500+

Ready?

Now that you you're ready to take on Jamaica Carnival, go out and make the most of your experience! Jamaica Carnival is very unique and probably the only Carnival where you will enjoy the blend of Soca and Dancehall. The people and the vibe is amazing and there's a reason why its the fastest growing Carnival. Now go and jamm dung de road!

#JamaicaCarnival #Carnival #CarnivalGuide #JamminWithJammdung #Soca #Dancehall #RoadMatch #Xaymaca #Xodus #Bacchanal

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