CARNIVAL IN JAMAICA 2024 PHOTOS, VIDEOS AND REVIEWS

Breakfast Party

Rise Up Breakfast Beach Party (Easter Saturday), Sunrise Breakfast Party (Carnival Saturday)

Concert

Any show with Kes the Band or Machel Montano & full band

All Inclusive

Fete Gala, RYTZ All Inclusive

Drinks Inclusive

iLLUMINATE, Xodus Remedy

Cruise

SUN RUM FUN (@sunrumfun), SunKissed, Strut Jamaica

J'Ouvert

There's no official J'Ouvert for Carnival in Jamaica. However, all roads lead to "Bacchanal J'Ouvert" on the Carnival Friday night. This is a J'Ouvert party which then moves unto the streets of Kingston in the early hours of the morning. As of 2023, GenXS Jamaica introduced their Immortals J'Ouvert on Saturday morning!

Must Do Event

SunNation Sunrise Breakfast Party

Jamaica Mas Bands

Bacchanal Jamaica | @bacchanaljam
GenXS Jamaica Carnival | @jamaicacarnival
Yard Mas Carnival | @yardmascarnival
Xodus Carnival | @xoduscarnival

Duration

You can get there Thursday/Friday and leave on Monday/Tuesday and completely satisfy your carnival appetite. But if you can do longer, definitely come the weekend before to experience the full 10 day stretch of events starting in Ocho Rios on Good Friday.

Parade Day / Road March

The parade of the bands called "Road March" takes place every year on the Sunday following Easter Sunday.

Currency

1 USD = approximately 155.25 JMD (as of April 2024). Get Jamaican dollars! Although USD is accepted island wide, the exchange rate will vary depending on where you shop and who you are. Having Jamaican currency can save you up to 50% in most cases. BTW, despite what the ATM says, you’re not a millionaire! $20,000 Jamaican dollars in your wallet might make you feel cool, but it’s not going to impress any ladies.

Temperature

Tropical. Hot, Humid, temperate interior. 27-30° Celsius, 81-86° Fahrenheit

TJJ Recommended Hotel

The Jamaica Pegasus Hotel | IG @jamaicapegasus

Best places to stay

The carnival and activities are mainly based in Kingston; New Kingston to be more specific. As with any trip, the few extra dollars spent on safety and comfort are always worth it. We recommend Spanish Court Hotel, The Jamaica Pegasus, Courtyard by Marriott Kingston or Courtleigh Hotel & Suites or the proverbial "By A Friend". For a more personal abode, check out our the Knutsford Court Hotel. Be careful if going the Airbnb route, we've heard some horror stories.

Communication / Mobile Providers

Get a Jamaican sim card. The rates are that much cheaper than roaming. There's Digicel, Flow, LIME, Cable & Wireless and a couple others. We usually go with Digicel.

Transportation

A car isn’t necessary, but we always get a rental for the convenience. Avoid dodgy streets when using Waze or Maps. A rule of thumbs, stay on the busy travelled main roads. FYI, the steering wheel is on the right side of the car and you drive on the left hand side of the road. If you stay in New Kingston area, you're a taxi ride away from most events. However, get the rate before the trip or you might get the "tourist rate". Uber is now in Jamaica! US$6 for a short drop surely beats US$40.

Flights

Your goal is to fly into Kingston (KIN), but don’t be afraid fly into Montego Bay (MBJ). It's a 2 hour 19 min (170.5 km) via A1 and Hwy 2000 drive from Mobay to Kingston. Be sure to enjoy Club Kingston - VIP Airport Lounge on your way in or out.

Cost of a 2 Piece Combo

$900 JMD / $5.86 USD. Using our KFC global standard, a (Meal Deal) 2 Pc. Chicken Combo, which includes individual side (Fries) & medium drink, cost $5.99 in the US.

Local Food

Hellshire Beach is located near Portmore, Jamaica and famed for its fried fish. If you're a seafood lover, you’ve got to visit Hellshire. See Hellshire Travel vLog.

Some of our favourite jerk spots across the island are Scotchies (branch in Kingston closed down), Lyming At Walkerswood, Ocho Rios Jerk Center, Sweetwood Jerk Joint, SoSo Seafood Bar & Grill and Kingston Jerk.

Of course, you need to be sure to get a patty from the Tasty franchise. They all over the island.

Local Drinks

If Appleton Rum is what you're drinking, ask for it by VX for the regular stuff or Reserve for a step up (order from lowest to highest is Special->VX->Reserve). The locals swear by Wray & Nephew Overproof Rum and Ting! They guarantee no hangover.

Late Night Eats

Always walk around with $2000 JMD (2024) so you can destroy some Pan Chicken ($800 JMD) when the party done or when you get the late night munchies. KFC is always an option.

TJJ Favourite Restaurants

Aunt May's or Aunt Merl at Hellshire Beach – Get the fried garlic Lobster!
Lyming At Walkerswood – Jerk pork for the WIN.
Triple Tz Eatery – Jamaican cuisine.
Golden Bowl Restaurant – Awesome Chinese food.

Alcohol purchase

Grab your supplies duty free at the airport when you land in Jamaica