city: Ocho Rios

Spirit of the Maroons Cultural Tour

Your journey through Jamaica's north will unveil the culture and history of the island. You'll visit the Charles Town Maroon Museum to learn about the Maroons' struggle for freedom, enjoy a tasty lunch at Strawberry Fields Together, and stroll through Sun Valley Plantation to sample fresh fruits and vegetables. Jada, one of our expert local guides, says 'The Jamaican Maroons have a proud and fascinating heritage. They are descendants of West African slaves who escaped from plantations and created communities known as Maroon Towns. These communities preserved their African roots - the Maroon culture is known for vibrant music, dance, storytelling, herbal medicine, and cuisine.'Our first stop is the Charles Town Basic School, a small school at the heart of the Charles Town Maroon community. Then we'll visit the Charles Town Maroon Museum - home to a wealth of artifacts, including traditional clothing, weaponry, and musical instruments. You'll learn about the Maroons' long struggle for freedom and their important role in Jamaica's history. Next, we'll enjoy a tasty lunch at Strawberry Fields Together, overlooking the coast where you can savour Jamaica's famously flavoursome cuisine. Our final stop will be at Sun Valley Plantation, a farm that showcases the best of Jamaica's produce. Take a stroll through gardens bursting with tropical flowers and sample the fresh fruits and vegetables that grow there. You'll also learn about traditional farming practices that have sustained Jamaican communities for generations.