Whether you’re relaxing on the beach, eating at a restaurant or strolling the streets you’ll hear loud music blaring in the background. Music is an intrinsic part of life in Jamaica and often has subtle (and sometime not so subtle!) political undertones. Reggae, calypso and soca echo through the island. Since independence art has flourished in Jamaica and today the island is the centre of Caribbean art. The style however is hard to define.

It doesn’t take much for Jamaicans to take to the streets so festivals mean that the island is alive with activity. The major events are Reggae ‘Sunsplash’ and Reggae ‘Sumfest’ that are held sometime in July or August. The February Carnival is an equally big event with lots of music and lots of fun.