Jamaica is anticipating a busy first six month as the island is hosting more events than ever before.  

“After a milestone year in 2006, we are very pleased to begin 2007 with such an increase,” says Sandra Scott, regional director Canada, Jamaica Tourist Board.  “2007 is an exciting year for Canadians to visit Jamaica, as we have many great festivals and events coming up, including the Cricket World Cup.”

Upcoming events in Jamaica include:

The Fun in the Son Gospel Festival
Dubbed ‘The Premier Christian Festival in the Caribbean. Now in its sixth year, this Christian festival in Ocho Rios will take place March 9th to 11th and will feature some of the best gospel in the world.

Cricket World Cup
Jamaica is playing host to the opening ceremonies and several matches of the biggest Cricket event in the world (March and April).  Matches will be held in both Montego Bay and Kingston starting March 11th.

The Jamaica Spring Festival
The inaugural one-day festival will comprise two components, food festival dubbed “Bickle Me Dis …. Bickle Me Dat” and a Reggae show dubbed “Reggae Rockaway”.  The food festival is designed to highlight Jamaica’s culinary heritage through a scintillating blend of cultural activities served over an exciting array of Montego Bay’s most famous cuisine.  The festival takes place March 17th.

 The Trelawny Yam Festival
This festival is a celebration of culture, heritage and food.  This year’s festival will take place April 9th in the parish of Trelawny.

Bacchanal Carnival in Jamaica
The phenomenal growth of Carnival in Jamaica over the years has helped to establish it as Kingston's premier festival. Held February to April, the annual Jamaica Carnival hosts events and shows featuring local and international soca/calypso artistes

Rums of the Caribbean
This one day festival will feature some of the top rum brands of the Caribbean Islands on April 21st.  The inaugural festival will expose patrons to the history of rum-making in the region and the pirates who made the rums famous.

The Calabash International Literary Festival
This annual gathering of some of the Caribbean’s top writers will take place at Jake's, a funky Island Outpost resort on Jamaica's untamed south coast from May 25th – 27th. 

The 17th Annual Ocho Rios Jazz Festival
Starting June 17th, eight exciting days of great music and superb entertainment will be hosted in Ocho Rios. 
 
Details of upcoming special events, attractions and accommodations in Jamaica are posted on the Jamaica Tourist Board’s Web site at www.visitjamaica.com.  JTB can be reached toll-free at 1-800-465-2624.