Unesco, the United Nations’ cultural agency, recently named reggae a global cultural treasure. And if you want to hear some awesome reggae, there’s no better place to go than Jamaica. Reggae itself originated in Jamaica, born of rock steady, mento, and ska, music styles that were popular in the nation earlier in its history.
“While in its embryonic state Reggae music was the voice of the marginalized, the music is now played and embraced by a wide cross-section of society…its contribution to international discourse on issues of injustice, resistance, love and humanity underscores the dynamic of the element as being at once cerebral, socio-political, sensual, and spiritual,” Unesco said in a statement. “The basic social functions of the music—as a vehicle for social commentary, a cathartic practice, and a means of praising God—have not changed, and the music continues to act as a voice for all.”
And in Jamaica, you’ll hear reggae everywhere you go, whether at the public market or walking down residential streets. If your interests tend beyond reggae, here are some other reasons Jamaica is worth a place on your travel list.
The beaches
Jamaica offers a vast expanse of spectacular white sand beaches. Most of them are in lush gardens and forests, or they exist in between mountains. If you want to sunbathe, swim, or simply see the beauty of the country’s crystal blue waters and stunning sunsets, Jamaica’s beaches make for a perfect place to do it.
The climate
If you’re a northerner like me, you’ll definitely appreciate Jamaica’s tropical, lush climate. The average temperature in Jamaica is 81 degrees Fahrenheit, so pack up your bathing suit and summer clothes and take a break from the cold winter. If you’re not up for 81-degree weather, you can go to the Blue Mountain hills for a more relaxing and cooler temperature.
The culture
Any day of the week, you’ll be able to find a street dance happening in Jamaica. A local DJ plays music (usually reggae or “dancehall style”). Street dances are a great place to mix and mingle with the locals. You can also visit the Bob Marley Museum and the Devon House, where you can learn about the country’s history and culture.
The food
Jamaica is known far and wide for its cuisine. It includes a unique mix of fruits, vegetables, and seafood dishes, but the country’s main culinary export is jerk chicken, which is rubbed with a mix of spices to produce an amazing flavor. You can also sample Ackee and Saltfish, the Jamaican national dish, often served for breakfast and accompanied by green bananas and fried dumplings.
Mountain adventures
You can hike and camp in Jamaica’s Blue Mountains while enjoying cool temperatures and lush greenery. If you’re feeling adventurous, you can even bobsled down a mountain. At the Mystic Mountain Adventure Park, you can hop on a bobsled at any time of the year and ride that four-runner sled through the mountains of Ocho Rios.
Weed is legal (some restrictions apply)
Practitioners of the Rastafarian religion smoke marijuana as part of their spiritual worship. For those who aren’t Rastas, marijuana is available legally in Jamaica, but only for people with a medical marijuana certification. Some marijuana farms have doctors on site who can and will provide visitors with the necessary documentation to buy legal weed.
Jamaica is a beautiful nation with a rich heritage. You owe it to yourself to take a trip to this tiny island nation and experience its beauty, culture, and amazing range of outdoor and underwater activities. And to close out this article, here’s a video of the first song known to have used the term “reggae” in its lyrics—“Do the Reggae” by Toots and the Maytals.
Photo: Reggae Falls in St. Thomas, Jamaica. Credit: Shutterstock