Accompong Maroon Festival 2025 in Jamaica

Get a sense of Accompong’s uniqueness during its traditional celebration

Dates: January 5–January 6

Maroon Village Celebration in Accompong marks the signing of the 1739 peace agreement between Cudjoe, the leader of the Maroons, and the British Empire. The provisions of that treaty guaranteed the Maroons significant personal freedom and 15,000 acres (6070 ha) of land.

Accompong was Cudjoe's brother, who established a town that was named after him. During the festivities, the population of Accompong town grows from 500 to 8,000. Vendors occupy the city center with booths, selling food and beverages. A carnival is set up at the old Parade Grounds featuring a Ferris wheel, Bounce-A-Bout, a roller coaster, and the main stage that is set up for locals and visitors to enjoy music and entertainment.

Festival Celebrations

Held annually over two days, on January 5th and 6th, the festival is considered to be a 'Maroon New Year' and is premised on a traditional march to the legendary Kindah Tree, where a special Maroon unsalted and unseasoned pork is consumed. Afterward, an all-night party takes place until the break of dawn. You’ll never see Accompong as quiet as at noon on January 7.

This year's theme is Echoes of the Past, Blueprint for the Future. The festival is all about traditional drumming, dancing, street food, mento bands, local tonics, and herbs. Between the speeches, chanting, rhythmic drumbeats, and watchwords to pre-Christian spirits, there is an intense intercession of Afro-Caribbean heritage.

Some of the highlights of this vibrant celebration include contestants between young warriors, including camouflage, bow and arrow, and cross country, cultural exhibits, and the annual Captain Cudjoe Awards Ceremony. The festival also showcases an evening concert with some talented Jamaican artists entertaining the crowd.

Location

The event usually unfolds on the Accompong Square in Accompong. You can get to the rustic village of Accompong by taking a bus either from St. Elizabeth or Montego Bay, with trips taking approximately an hour and a half to complete. Consider renting a car and planning your itinerary yourself to experience the Maroon culture to the fullest.