Jamaica will kick off its Emancipendence celebrations with the nation called to worship on Sunday, July 30 at the Independence Church Service at the Waltham Park New Testament Church of God starting at 10:00 am.

The country will celebrate Emancipation Day on Tuesday, August 1 and Independence Day on Sunday, August 6 – both public holidays.

Minister of Culture, Gender, Entertainment and Sport, Olivia Grange, said Emancipation Jubilee will take place as usual at Seville Heritage Park in St Ann on Monday, July 31 beginning at 7:00 pm. She was speaking recently in the House of Representatives.

“This event is free of cost to the public. And we look forward to celebrating the freedom of our African ancestors at this very important event. On Emancipation Day, we will have the Augus ’Mawning Market starting at 6:00 am at the Festival Village at the National Arena. And later on Emancipation Day, we will crown the National Festival Queen at the Festival Village from 6:00 pm,” Grange said.

She outlined further that on Wednesday, August 2 there will be the Jamaica Praise & Gospel Star Final Show starting at 9:00 pm at the Festival Village at the National Arena while Thursday, August 3 will see the very popular Mello-go-roun featuring the best talents from this year’s JCDC Programme at the Festival Village at the National Arena.

Friday, August 4 will feature Reel and Come Again (Film Night in the Village) at the Festival Village at the National Arena while Saturday, August 5 will feature Old Skool Party – the School Uniform Edition at the Festival Village.

The country will observe what Grange called “the big one” on Sunday, August 6, when the Independence Grand Gala will take place at the National Stadium beginning at 5:30 pm.

Additionally, Independence street dances will take place in parish capitals.