On August 6, 1962, Jamaica celebrated its newfound independence with the lowering of the British Union Jack and the raising of its own black, green and gold flag, marking the end of colonial rule. Each year, Jamaicans commemorate this pivotal moment with a mix of parades, cultural festivals, music and delicious food both at home and in communities abroad. Independence Day is a time for yardies to don their black, green and gold, sing along with traditional songs and reflect on their journey from colonial rule to self-governance.
The festivities, known as “Emanicipendence,” stretch from Emancipation Day on August 1st to Independence Day on August 6th, featuring island-wide celebrations, with Kingston as the epicenter. But for those celebrating in South Florida, a variety of events in Broward, Palm Beach and Miami-Dade offer a taste of Jamaica’s rich cultural heritage.
Broward
Celebrate Jamaica’s Independence with a weekend full of events in Miramar. Start the celebrations with the Jamaica Emancipendence Reception on Thursday, August 1, 2024, from 6pm to 9pm at the Miramar Cultural Center. Hosted by Mayor Wayne M. Messam, the event promises an evening of cultural presentations and networking. Then, enjoy the Jamaica 62nd Pre-Independence Day Fete on Friday, August 2, 2024, from 6pm to midnight at the Vernon E. Hargray Youth Enrichment Center. Presented by Vice Mayor Alexandra P. Davis, this free fete features performances from DJs Fergie, Radcliffe and Waggy Tee, alongside other acts.
On Saturday, August 3rd, head to Miramar Regional Park from 3pm to 11pm for the free Jamaica Emancipendence Ole Time Fair with live reggae performances, authentic Jamaican cuisine, a farmers market, a cultural showcase and a kids zone.
Join the Jamaican Women of Florida at La Veranda Restaurant & Bar in Plantation on Saturday, August 3 at 9pm for a lively Jamaica Independence Lyme. Enjoy Jamaican cuisine, reggae music and great vibes while supporting a fundraiser for JWOF scholarships.
Outside of Miramar, celebrate Jamaica’s 62nd Independence at STUDIO 45 on Saturday night, August 3 from 6pm to 1am at Cafe 27 Bar & Grill in Weston. Enjoy Jamaican festival music, reggae, ska and more with DJs King Waggy T, Medusa and others, plus traditional Jamaican food and a full liquor bar. Tickets are $20 in advance and $25 at the gate, with the event also streaming live on Caribcast.
Conclude the Independence weekend in Miramar with the Jamaica Independence Day Soccer Tournament on Sunday, August 4, 2024, from 9am to 9pm at Henry D. Perry Park.
On Sunday afternoon from 2pm to 11pm, head to Sweet Jamaica Independence Festival Outdoor Concert at the Lauderhill Performing Arts Center. Enjoy performances by Fab 5, Leroy Sibbles and more, and music by Stone Love and King Waggy Tee. The event features a kids’ zone, street dances, food and other family-friendly fun. Tickets range from $25 to $150 and proceeds support Autism Awareness and Hurricane Beryl Relief.
Miami
Miami will kick off Jamaican Independence Week at the Lobos Brunch Takeover at Dukunoo Jamaican Kitchen on August 3 from 2pm to 4pm. The Jamaican restaurant is giving away free brunch for the first 60 attendees who arrive by 2:30pm, with mouthwatering Jamaican dishes, live DJ beats and exciting activities. If you’re going to miss the free spot, secure a reservation ticket for $50 brunch and $25 mimosa pitchers.
Palm Beach
Head up to the Wellington Amphitheater on Saturday, August 3 from 2pm to 10pm for the Palm Beach Jamaica Independence Festival. Enjoy Jamaican music, mouthwatering cuisine like jerk chicken and fried fish, exciting cultural activities like reggae, ska and dancehall performances, unique arts and crafts and traditional dance workshops. Tickets range from $25 to $75.
