| Jamaica celebrates its festivities very colorfully and temperamentally, with full vigor and devotion. The Jamaicans generally stick to Christian calendar with some indigenous religious and cultural peculiarities. Carnival in February takes place in Kingston with a sweep similar to that of Rio-de-Janeiro. It is a grandiose feast with reggae, calypso and soca, a street parade of the dancing-shaking fancy dressed ups. Jonkanoo is another traditional uproarious and lively carnival, celebrating Christmas. The festivity has its origins among West African secret societies and was once a major celebration on the slave calendar. The most important cultural and musical events are Reggae Sunsplash and Reggae Sumfest. Island's largest manifestations of musical passion are held about one week apart in July or August. Sunsplash is held near Ocho Rios, Sumfest in Montego Bay. Both are frenetic beach music festivals of non-stop revelry and dancing. |
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Name: Jamaica |
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Area: 11,425 sq km |
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Capital City: Kingston |
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Population: 3 million |
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Language: English, Creole |
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Currency: Jamaica Dollar |
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Time Zone: GMT - 5 hrs |
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Religion: 80% Christian |
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