Caribbean Christmas Traditions
There’s an insanely fun Jamaican Christmas tradition, I couldn’t wait to experience for myself. I first heard about Grand Market or “Gran Market” when spent Christmas in Jamaica in 2018. We heard about it then. However there was so much going on at the resort we stayed in, we opted not to try to squeeze it.
Another Shot At The Jamaican Christmas Tradition
My husband and I had a chance to revisit the Jamaican Christmas tradition when we went back to Jamaica in 2020. I’m so glad we did!
What Is This Fun Jamaican Christmas Tradition?
Grand Market is also commonly referred to as “Gran’ Market” in Jamaica. It’s also one of the most anticipated events of the Christmas season. It’s held in all major towns across Jamaica on Christmas Eve.
No Stopping This Jamaican Christmas Tradition!
Grand Market is an insanely fun Jamaican Christmas tradition. Even in the midst of a pandemic, Jamaicans weren’t going to be deterred from enjoying this festive holiday tradition.
The Real Fun With This Jamaican Christmas Tradition Starts At Night
The activities last all day on Christmas Eve but the real fun starts at night. That’s when you can best see the sights and sounds of Grand Market.
Last Minute Christmas Shopping
This annual tradition gives shoppers a chance to buy last minute Christmas gifts in what feels like a cross between a block party and a flea market. There’s food, music, laughing, eating and socializing al with the fun anticipation of Christmas. In addition to the fun, there’s shopping to be done.
You can find all kinds of items on sale both in stores and along the sidewalks. You can find a little bit of everything. Items like Christmas decorations, clothing, food, toys, household products and more. In my opinion, the variety and quality of items are similar to what you find in flea markets in the US.
The History of Grand Market
According to Jamaican history, this Jamaican Christmas Tradition goes back to the times of enslavement in Jamaica. It is said the enslaved were given a couple days off from their usual hard labor.
With this free time and on one of the free days they’d dress up and go meet to socialize. Some of the enslaved men and women would sell homemade items like straw hats and baskets. Others would go to entertain by singing or beating on drums made out of animal skin.
It was a jubilant time that carries over to the fun Christmas tradition it remains today.
See The Fun For Yourself
Check out these videos to see some of the fun for yourself!
Want More Jamaica?
We absolutely love Jamaica so I have a few blog posts about some of our visits. One of my favorites is about Jamaican KFC.
You wouldn’t believe the incredibly long lines people endure just to get to Jamaican KFC. After experiencing it for myself, I get it.
You can read about it in this blog post, Is Jamaican KFC Really The Best Chicken In The World?
Do You Have A Grand Market Experience?
Tell me about it! Drop me some comments and let me know what it was like for you.
Until next time,
Namaste,
Khadeeja
