Final Jamaica Day

Here I am, on my last day in Jamaica, and I’m sure this day will be the best one yet. This is because today I will attend one of the biggest festivals of the year for Jamaica, as a nation. This day is August 1st and it marks the celebration their national holiday, Emancipation Day. Here, at the festival, there is so much to learn and embrace about the culture and history of Jamaica. As I was so exhilarated just thinking about what the day will bring, I couldn’t even eat breakfast. On this day, Chad and his wife did not have work so everyone in the family was able to attend this notable celebration. In the car, we drove to the urban area of Kingston where I observed a huge costume parade taking place. It was very exciting for me to see the many types of costumes that were all distinct and unique in their own ways. This was another factor that contributes to my claim that Jamaica truly is an interesting nation. Later, while walking around the festival, I observed bands playing songs by a very well-known musician throughout the world who was from Jamaica, named Bob Marley. Throughout the 70s, Marley, Lee Perry, Peter Tosh and other artists revolutionized Jamaican music by making it an international export. The Jamaicans take pride in their music and the way it has excelled throughout history. Also, at the festival, I was offered food similar to the kinds I tried at the Bolts like jerk chicken, fish, yams, and rice! Towards the end of the festival, I was lucky enough to visit an art section of the festival which included paintings from famous Jamaican artists such as Albert Huie and Barrington Watson and a sculpture from the well-known Edna Manley. I was quite impressed with this art, and it is just another great thing that Jamaica has to offer. Thereafter, I met back up with Chad and the family. It was now late afternoon, and it was time for me to catch my flight back home to the USA. Chad took us back to the house where I collected my belongings and said my goodbyes to the Bolt family and thanked them for letting me stay with them for these three days. After taking a cab back to urban Kingston, I was saying my final farewell to Jamaica. Visiting Jamaica was an amazing experience I recommend trying to live the life of a true Jamaican as I did if you ever choose to visit. In conclusion, on my trip to Jamaica, I learned that there is an abundance of culture to accept and embrace in this great and diverse nation.