Celebrating Jamaican Independence - with Cooyah
All around the globe countries are celebrating their independence, they all have different traditions and festivities that they partake in, but no matter what… it’s a pretty big deal.
And every summer, the United States, Jamaica, and several other countries throw huge parties to celebrate their freedom.
But being able to call yourself a Jamaican, runs further than your birthplace.
It’s a pride, a swag, and a certain essence that you have to be able to carry.
Jamaicans are bursting with pride about their rich culture and history - as they should be!
Thanks to Jamaica we have some of the greatest foods, music, “flowers”, and beaches in the world!
I mean, Bob Marley was one of the most influential musicians and heroes of our time - and one of Jamaica’s top pride and joys.
You have their amazing vegan food, their jerk dishes. Not to mention their beaches are lined with the most gorgeous resorts you have ever seen.
Jamaica has so many things to offer when it comes to culture and its history is probably one of the most fascinating. Their celebrations and traditions are some of the most exciting to participate in - especially their Independence Day!
What is Jamaican Independence Day?
While most countries will be looking to celebrate several hundred years of their independence, but not Jamaica!
They will be celebrating their 59th birthday this August 6th. With some countries being around for centuries, that’s pretty young.
Do not be fooled though, their independence may be young - but not their history.
Emancipation has not been easy for them; the last country to reign over them was Great Britain. But due to the fall of the British Empire back in the 1950s - Jamaica was able to become its own governing country after the laboring acts of Alexander Bustamante and the Jamaica Labour Party.
Emancipation has not been easy for them; the last country to reign over them was Great Britain. But due to the fall of the British Empire back in the 1950s - Jamaica was able to become its own governing country after the laboring acts of Alexander Bustamante, his cousin Norman Manley and the Jamaica Labour Party.
Because of the slow pace that Jamaican Independence was going, the people decided to take matters into their own hands - which is where Alexander Bustamante and Norman Manly enter the scene. After the revolt, they had no choice but to sign the Jamaican Independence Act on July 19, 1962, allowing Jamaica to fly its flag for the first time on August 6, 1962.
Their courageous efforts helped Jamaica to freedom and we are forever grateful.
How to Celebrate Jamaican Independence
Jamaicans know how to celebrate, so their Independence Day is no different!
They have special foods, music, parades, and parties. Festivities usually start on August 1st because this is considered Emancipation Day for Jamaicans, it’s the anniversary of the abolishment of slavery for their country.
Usually, to kick off the party, a flag-raising ceremony symbolizes how far they have come as a country. And if you are a trivia fanatic, you should know that Jamaica is the only country in the world that does not have the colors red, white, or blue in its flag!
When people think of Jamaica they picture beautiful beaches, marijuana, and a country that wants to be different, but what they don’t think about is where Jamaica came from and how they got their fairly new freedom.
Reggae Clothing with a Cooyah Spin
Finding TRUE reggae and Jamaican businesses is hard, especially ones that are straight from the islands. But there is one out there that has been around since 1987 and that’s the original Cooyah Clothing!
Originating from Jamaica, Cooyah Clothing has been around since 1987, they’ve clothed all the best musicians, athletes, and influencers in the reggae industry! They are the best reggae clothing brand to this day!
They are also one of the biggest supporters of Jamaican pride and Jamaican Independence Day is no exception for them!
Cooyah finds any and every way to celebrate their mother country. They even launch new products based on their love and pride for their country! Check out their new summer additions like the colorful bucket hats or one of the many t-shirts with graphics that only true Jamaicans at heart would understand!
They are located in sunny Florida, near Miami Beach right now, but before that, they first opened their doors in the infamous Kingston, Jamaica. So, if you are looking for an authentic Jamaican vibe this Independence Day, Cooyah is the way to go!