Mélange Travel & Lifestyle Magazine October 2018 | Page 377

Relive a bit of Jamaica’s History at the
Accompong Maroon
Festival
www.accompongtown.com
On the 6th of January every year, Jamaica commemorates the signing of a peace
treaty between the Maroons and the British that took place over 200 years ago.
The Maroons were slaves who escaped from their plantations and retreated to
the mountains to hide. Activities during this annual festival revolve around the
life of these Maroons, a brave people, who fought against the British with their
leader, Cudjoe. This July event is called the Accompong Maroon Festival which
marks the victory of the First Maroon War against the British. Singing, storytelling,
dancing cooking of local food and other traditional events are the highlights of
this festival. It is held in the town of Accompong, St. Elizabeth. Generally a small,
quiet town throughout the year, in early January, people arrive in droves for this
historical celebration.
Save the Date
January 6, 2019