KINGSTON, Jamaica – Minister of Culture, Gender, Entertainment and Sport, Olivia ‘Babsy’ Grange says she’s satisfied that all is set for Jamaica Festival celebrations which begin on Tuesday evening with the annual Emancipation Jubilee, marking 180 years since full freedom from slavery.

Jamaica Festival, which runs from July 31 to August 6, is the official period for Emancipation and Independence.

Grange in a release today, says that she has been leading a programme of renewal and revitalisation of Jamaica Festival “with the aim of ensuring that the celebrations are relevant, participatory, inclusive, inspirational, and highlighting the best of Jamaica’s culture, values and the achievements of her proud people”.

Among the events slated for revitalisation and renewal is the annual Emancipation Jubilee, which takes place at the Seville Heritage Park in St Ann, Grange said.

“Jubilee remains one of our most important celebrations. It is one of the most worthy commemorations on our national calendar,” she explained, adding that the event celebrates the spirit and triumphs of the ancestors and pays homage to their sacrifice by highlighting significant people, activities, events and creations along the road to freedom.

Major features of the event include the re-enactment of the reading of the Proclamation of Freedom which granted freedom from enslavement to all the inhabitants of Jamaica as of the grand Augus’ Mawnin (August 1, 1838); traditional drumming and dancing; traditional Jamaican food including ‘chaaklit’ tea; and floral tributes to the ancestors.

Emancipation Jubilee starts at 8:00 pm on Tuesday and continues until the early hours of Augus’ Mawnin with traditional rites.

There will also be several Emancipation Vigils across the country on Tuesday evening. The Emancipation Day calendar also includes the opening of the Official Independence Village at the National Arena in Kingston where there will be daily activities and nightly entertainment including the Miss Jamaica Festival Queen Coronation, Mento Night, World Reggae Dance Championship, Mello Go Roun, and the Jamaica Gospel Song Finals ahead of the Grand Gala in the National Stadium on Independence Day, August 6.