About Maroon Festival
While Jamaica was a Spanish colony, its native inhabitants (Arawaks) were exterminated. The Spanish then imported African slaves to work on their plantations. When the Spanish were driven out (1655), the black slaves fled to the mountains. The "Maroons" (fugitive slaves) were permitted to settle in the north of the island in 1738.
The Maroon Festival is a cultural celebration that commemorates over 200 years since the signing of the peace treaty between the Maroons and the British. The festival marks the victory of the First Maroon War against the British in which they fought for their freedom, led by their late hero Cudjoe.
The activities highlight the life of the heroic Maroons through singing, dancing, storytelling, cooking and more.
Other Observances on January 6th 2025
World Day of War Orphans
Observed to create awareness about the plight of the war orphans and to address the traumatic conditions faced by them.
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