Your Guide To Jamaican Culture And Traditions

Jamaican Jams, Reggae Rhythms

Jamaica is known for many things, but its music might just be the most famous of the Jamaican traditions beloved by the world. With six individual genres invented right here, including mento, dancehall, ska, reggae, rocksteady and dub, Jamaica wows with its artistic chops. And, thanks to some pretty successful musicians from the country, the pull of these island beats has hit the mainstream. 

Among the most iconic bits of Jamaican travel and culture, reggae and sites dedicated to it, like the Bob Marley Museum, have long captured the attention of adventuring music-listeners. Born in the 1960s, reggae called for social justice through the power of music. Known for its drum beats and lyrical themes of independence, it’s perhaps the most recognizable form of Jamaican music due in large part to the efforts of artists like Bob Marley. Across the island nation, there are loads of venues that play his music and that of modern reggae artists live, making for a quintessential experience rooted in Jamaican history, philosophy and hope.

Two other Jamaican music genres to keep an eye on are dancehall and mento. The former originated in the 1970s, bringing to life an electronic-reggae-hip-hop fusion with lively beats. Thanks to the high-energy nature of dancehall, it’s super popular at parties. The latter, mento, came about even earlier in the 1940s and 1950s. Influenced by the musical traditions of African slaves and European folk singers, this genre blends acoustic instruments and an air of playfulness. It would later go on to inspire reggae in many ways, and today, you can hear it across rural communities.

As a travel writer, granddaughter of a ragtime piano player and great-granddaughter of a jazz musician, I always make a habit of sampling the music of destinations I visit. It’s a key part of a community’s identity, as the arts express what other bits of culture and communication can’t. It’s also a great way to learn the language — when I lived in Brazil, I learned so many idioms, slang words and phrases that only locals know through the street music. It’s an immersive and fun way for those seeking a Caribbean vacation to delve into Jamaican culture as well. So, make sure to take a dip in the various music genres while you’re there, whether that’s through shopping for vinyls, prioritizing eateries that feature live music performances or attending a festival.  

Talk The Talk: The Power Of Patois

Though English is Jamaica’s official language, Patois, a creole dialect, is a major part of Jamaican traditions. Pronounced “Patwa,” this tongue is influenced by many languages, including African, Portuguese, Spanish, French and colonial English. I can really hear the influences here as a speaker of most of these languages, and together, they create such a sing-song quality.

If you don’t speak Patois, don’t let that deter you from interacting with locals who do. You can always ask them to slow down to make it easier to understand. They’ll probably also teach you a few fun phrases! That’s always my biggest tip for those going abroad who either want to learn a language or get an authentic experience: Don’t shy away from engaging with the local dialect. And, if you take a seven-night, week-long cruise to Jamaica, you’ll have plenty of time to practice.

Here are five Patois phrases to get the ball rolling:

● Wah gwaan: What’s up, how are you?

● Nuff respect: I appreciate it, thank you!

● Walk Good: Good-bye, safe travels!

● Rhaatid!: Wow! (can also be used to intensify something, like “very”)

● Irie: All is well, it’s all good.

Culture Cruise: Experience Jamaican Culture While At Sea

I grew up on the sea and led whale watching cruise tours as an adult, so I know just how valuable ocean-based tourism is. It allows travelers to get up close to communities and wildlife that would otherwise be hard to access (plus, you can’t beat the views). And there are so many ways to experience Jamaican culture on a cruise. For instance, you can download some reggae tunes before you go so you can listen to traditional music while at sea. Or try your hand at a few Patois phrases with the Windjammer staff before feasting on the buffet’s Jamaican beef patties and freshly stewed oxtail.

Otherwise, whether you’re planning your first cruise or your hundredth, here are five ways for you to experience Jamaican culture and traditions when you get there:

● Shop for local, artisan goods.

● Try authentic Jamaican food.

● Enjoy reggae on the beach or at a club.

● Use Patois greetings.

● Visit a local museum or historic site that provides education on Jamaican heritage.

Plan Your Cruise To Jamaica

Jamaica, with all its hospitality, lush landscapes, colorful celebrations and fabulous food, is just a Royal Caribbean cruise away. Plenty of cultural immersion experiences await, from listening to reggae on the beach to practicing Patois with locals.