Travel & Tourism

Kingston, Jamaica--(HISPANIC PR WIRE)--January 5, 2006--The blowing of the Abeng, the playing of the Maroon drums and the traditional march to the Kindah tree are just some of the ways Jamaica pays tribute to the ancestors of the Maroons, the descendants of slaves who were freed by the Spanish and fled to Jamaica’s untouched South Coast in the pursuit of freedom, and who live there to this day.

On January 6, 2006, the 267th Accompong Maroon Festival will feature traditional dancing, singing, Maroon feast and ceremonies. Visitors will also get to partake in a variety of food and drink at the newly constructed African-styled Bickle (food) Village.

This celebration commemorates the birthday of Captain Cudjoe, a Maroon warrior, who defeated the English army and later brokered a peace treaty with the British in 1738, which guaranteed them freedom and significant land holdings. Included in this historic treaty are the founding principles that, to this day, govern the day-to-day activities of the people of Accompong, a nation within a nation.

Visiting Maroons from several Maroon villages across the island and visitors from as far as Japan, China and Germany are also expected to attend. Last year, more than 16,000 visitors flocked to the small rural village to experience the celebration and the Maroon community's unique sub-culture.

About Jamaica Tourist Board

The Jamaica Tourist Board (JTB), founded in 1955, is Jamaica’s national tourism agency based in the capital city of Kingston. Currently celebrating its 50th anniversary, the Board is responsible for the worldwide tourism marketing and promotion for the island country of Jamaica. The JTB’s mandate has been to promote Jamaica as a preferred travel destination; identify new and emerging consumer groups; cultivate new relationships with travel partners and disseminate timely and useful marketing information to its offices and travel partners worldwide. JTB offices are located in Montego Bay, Kingston, Miami, Toronto and London. Representative offices are located in Düsseldorf, Barcelona, Rome, Amsterdam and Tokyo.

Details of upcoming special events, attractions and accommodations in Jamaica are posted on the Jamaica Tourist Board’s Web site at http://www.visitjamaica.com. To book a trip to Jamaica please contact a travel agent or call the Jamaica Tourist Board toll-free at 1-800-233-4JTB (1-800-233-4582), 305-665-0557 or go to http://www.visitjamaica.com.