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Christmas Eve in Jamaica
12/22/05
Christmas Eve in Jamaica
December 24 is Grand Market (or Gran' Market) night in Jamaica and as a child that was always a night to look forward to at Christmas. The shops are all open as long as the shoppers are out. The streets are lined with street vendors selling toys, sweets, balloons, star lights, firecrackers and all the excitement of Christmas. The music is played loudly for everyone’s enjoyment. You can always get that last minute gift, no problem. Most Jamaican families however, go to Grand Market simple for the fun and excitement of it all.
I was born and raised in Kingston and I must confess we are cheated out of the ‘whole nine yards’ of Grand Market. Traditionally on Christmas Eve, Jamaicans not only celebrated Christmas with Grand Market but also with Jonkanoo (or John Canoe). In rural Jamaica these traditions are still observed and enjoyed in most communities.
Follow up:
Grand Markets is a community fair celebrated with food, street dancing, crafts and music which last throughout the day and night . The Markets are decorated with streamers, large accordion-style bells, and balloons. People dress in fancy clothes, including bright hats purchased upon entering the Grand Market.
Jonkanoo is a traditional Christmas celebration which was brought to Jamaica by the Africa slaves. Jonkanoo dancers parade through the streets dressed in colourful costumes. Jonkanoo bands include a mixture of traditional and modern characters, which vary from one part of the island to another. These characters includes Cow Head or Horse-head, King, Queen (wearing a veil), Devil, Pitchy-Patchy, Red Indians, Belly Woman (a "woman" with largely pronounced/exaggerated "pregnancy") and a mock Policeman to keep the crew and crowd in check.
Christmas Eve is a fun day for all, whether in Kingston or in rural Jamaica. It’s a great time for families to bond and have fun together. After a great night out you get in just in time to get dressed and head out again for Christmas service or mass depending on your religion.
If you are in Jamaica this Christmas make sure to join in the festivities.
Nuff love.
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Bruk Pocket Jamaican
"Recently, this Jamaican won the 10 million special lottery for a dollar. As soon as the office of the Lottery Corporation was open on the following day, he was there to collect his winnings.
Graciously, he presented his winning ticket to the clerk and in his best English uttered his request "Me cum fi collect the 10 millian dallars, si me ticket ya".
After reviewing and checking the ticket with his manager, the clerk returned and requested on how he would like his payments. The Jamaican replied "Mi wan all a de moni now". "Unfortunately, Sir" the nervous clerk responded, "The procedures are that we can only give you one million now and the balance equally over the next 20 years".
Furious and agitated, the Jamaican asked for the manager, who re-iterated "Sir, my assistant is correct, it is the regulation of the corporation that we initially pay you one million dollars now with the balance paid to you equally over the next 20 years".
Outraged, the Jamaican slammed his hand on the desk and shouted in anger, "Oonu tek me fi idiat, me wan all a de moni now or oonu gi me bak me rass dallar!!"
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