Activities in Jamaica
Flowers, Food, Music
rolled into one!
One of the most rewarding activities in Jamaica may not be what you expect. It doesn't fit into the sun, sea, sand or adventure formula.
I know it may sound a bit tame, but trust me on this. A visit to one of our spectacular flower or agricultural shows is a winner. These shows often prove to be unforgettable, satisfying experiences, and not just for the nature lover.
Photographers find these shows to be a goldmine of subject matter.
Anyone interested in Jamaican culturewill be able to experience firsthand how Jamaicans interact with each other,see Jamaican families at play, get a taste of real Jamaican foodand hear good Jamaican music. You'll witness our abilityto bargain down even the lowest prices. You may even see for yourself that a "Do not Touch" sign compels us toexplore a forbidden object even more!
The St. Elizabeth Horticultural Show in Black River is one of thebiggest and best flower shows on the island. Held onEaster Monday every year from 1963, this show draws crowds of people from all walks of life to the warmth of St. Elizabeth. It is mounted by a small army of horticultural enthusiasts and volunteers. Usually the show comesat the end of a drought, but still manages to stun patrons with its colour and variety.
The Flower Show (as it is affectionately called by us locals) has a different theme each year. In 2010 it was
St. Elizabeth, Breadbasket of Jamaica. This was captured in the
main display in the show hall, which showcased agriculture in St Elizabeth
throughout the years.
The crops produced, and the progressive methods of transporting them were all in evidence - from the hamper-laden donkey,
to the open back pick-up, to the refrigerated truck. The realistic donkey and the incredibly detailed pick-up made by local artist
Mike Wallace provided an irrestible photo op for kids and adults alike. There never was a more popular donkey!
Newer agricultural activities in Jamaica were represented by a replica
of the greenhouses which are becoming increasingly used for growing vegetables like tomatoes and peppers.
Every year at the Flower Show, the main Pavillion is filled with the exhibits entered in competition. Lush ferns, vivid
flowering plants, amazing ornamentals, cut flowers, floral arrangements, fruit and vegetables vie for prizes. Teams of
judges from other parishes throughout Jamaica judge the entries.
Just inside the entrance to the Pavillion, Genesis Steel Band creates a traffic jam. Patrons come inside to see the flowers,
and are greeted with infectious music that seems to root them to the ground. The band plays and plays, hoping that the
crowd will thin out, but this doesn't happen until they stop playing, usually out of sheer exhaustion!
Outside the Pavillion are the vendors' stalls. Small, colourful stalls with food and drinks, plants, pots,
toys and other offerings. This is where a lot of the action (and bargaining!) takes place.
There is also fun stuff for children - an Easter Bonnet Parade, and other activities like a bounce-about, ferris wheel and
go carts are regular features.
Drink lots of water while you're outside - as with most outdoor activities in Jamaica, it
gets pretty hot! When you're tired, find some cool shady, grab a drink and a boiled corn.
Other good flower/agricultural shows are: - Denbigh Agricultural Show held in Clarendon each August. It's the biggest show of its kind in Jamaica.
- Manchester Horticultural Show in Mandeville in Labour Day weekend in May.
- Jamaica Horticultural Society Show at Hope Gardens in Kingston each April.
So if you're at all interested in undertaking memorable activities in Jamaica, you should add one of these showsto your "to do" list. The
St. Elizabeth Flower Show, and Denbigh are my top picks. The next St. Elizabeth Horticultural Show will be on Easter Monday, April 9, 2012.
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