How Seafood From Norway Became Jamaica’s National Dish

Norway and Jamaica may seem like an unlikely culinary pair—one a warm, tropical island in the Caribbean, the other a cold, fjord-laced Nordic country. However, our countries have shared a strong bond for centuries, tied together by one key ingredient: saltfish, also known as salted cod. What began as a colonial-era trade has evolved into a rich cultural and culinary tradition, with Norwegian saltfish playing a foundational role in some of Jamaica’s most beloved dishes, including the Jamaican National Dish of ackee and saltfish. Last year, I was invited to a media event which celebrated our tasteful exchange and highlighted seafood from Norway in a grand way at the Rok Hotel in Downtown Kingston. Here’s a brief recap of the event and the story of how seafood from Norway became half of Jamaica’s national dish.

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Sun, Sand & Sips: 8 Must-Drink Beverages in Jamaica

My beautiful island is renown for its reggae, stunning beaches and vibrant culture, but is also home to some of the most delicious and refreshing beverages you’ll ever taste. Whether you’re soaking up the sun on a white sandy beach, hiking through the lush Blue Mountains, or exploring the island’s rich cultural heritage, these drinks are the perfect accompaniment to your Jamaican adventure. Here are eight must-drink beverages that capture the essence of Jamaica, each offering a unique taste of the island’s spirit and flavour. Feel free to scroll past the first four drinks if you’re not an alcohol drinker.

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Enduring British Legacy in Jamaican Culture

My beautiful island nation of Jamaica is home to a colourful past and several ethnic groups which have shaped its rich diverse culture. A significant part of our cultural fabric is woven from colonialism, particularly the legacy left by the British. After the expulsion of the Spaniards in Jamaica, Britain ruled Jamaica for three centuries. As such, British legacy in Jamaica is profound, shaping various aspects of life including cuisine, language, architecture, education and governance. Today let’s talk about the enduring influence of Britain in Jamaica.

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Discover Jamaica’s Unique Craft Beer & Liquors

When most people think of Jamaica, they picture pristine beaches, reggae music, and perhaps a glass of rum punch. However, there’s another exciting element to Jamaica’s beverage scene that’s gaining momentum: craft liquors. From innovative craft beers to a unique vodka made from yellow yam, Jamaica’s craft liquor industry offers a fresh, authentic taste of the island’s culture and creativity. Here’s why you should explore some of these remarkable Jamaican craft liquors.

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Experience Jamaican Maroon Culture at These Three Festivals

Jamaica, with its rich history and vibrant culture, boasts numerous festivals and celebrations that are deeply rooted in its heritage. Among these are the Maroon Festivals which pay homage to the resilient spirit and traditions of the Jamaican Maroons – direct African descendants who escaped slavery and formed their own communities in the rugged interior of the island. The island’s three Maroon Festivals each offer a unique insight into Jamaica’s African cultural retention: namely the Accompong Maroon Festival, the Charles Town Maroon Festival, and Kromanti Fest. Here’s why you should pay these three festivals a visit.

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3 Jamaican Festivals Worth the Journey

The jewel of the Caribbean, Jamaica, is not only famed for its breathtaking landscapes and vibrant culture but also for its lively festivals that celebrate the island’s rich heritage. Among the myriad of events that dot our calendar, several stand out as must-visit experiences for any traveler seeking to immerse themselves in the essence of Jamaican culture. I wrote about our annual Jamaican food festivals and music festivals last year, however there are some more experiences which didn’t fit into these categories but deserved the mention. Each of these 3 festivals offers a unique glimpse into different aspects of Jamaica’s soul, from its literary prowess to its sporting legacy. With that said, today let’s talk about three Jamaican festivals worth the journey.

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Shamrock in Jamrock: Jamaica’s Irish Legacy

St. Patrick’s Day is an annual cultural and religious holiday celebrated on March 17, and a public holiday in Ireland, Northern Ireland, some Canadian provinces and in Montserrat, the Emerald Isle of the Caribbean. It commemorates the death of Saint Patrick, the patron saint of Ireland, who is credited with bringing Christianity to Ireland. While St. Patrick’s Day has religious origins, the holiday has evolved into a global celebration of Irish culture and heritage where people wear green, decorate with shamrocks and often indulge in Irish whiskey and beer, particularly the iconic Irish stout Guinness. Jamaica does not celebrate St. Patrick’s Day in any shape or form, but since the holiday is just around the corner, I thought it fitting to share five facts about Jamaica’s rich Irish heritage.

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Beyond Conquest: What the Spanish Left in Jamaica

Did you know that at one point in history, Jamaica was Spanish speaking? The first Europeans to colonize Jamaica were the Spanish and they occupied the island from 1509 until 1655 when the British invaded and captured Jamaica. Though their time in Jamaica was relatively brief, Spanish colonization in Jamaica still left a lasting impact. Today, let’s talk about four legacies of former Spanish rule and settlement in Jamaica.

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Festive Menus to Try This Christmas in Jamaica

It’s the most wonderful time of the year! As such, I’ve written many articles about Christmas in Jamaica, including one about our unique Christmas carols and another about the interesting phenomenon of Christmas breeze. Most of those articles were written in 2020 for Blogmas when I had had more time to spare. Nonetheless, I think it’s time for a sequel to my 2020 article on festive eats as so many other restaurants and bars have hopped on the seasonal menu bandwagon and I’m here for it!

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Unearth Taino History at These 5 Sites in Jamaica

If you’ve been following my blog for some time, you’ll realize that I love history. I’m very fascinated by ancient civilizations, especially the people who lived in the Americas before Columbus changed World History forever in 1492. This explains why visiting the Incan citadel of Machu Picchu was high on my bucket list. Another group of people who fascinate me just as much are the Tainos, one of Jamaica’s first people. That being said, today I’ll talk about the Tainos and five Taino sites which still exist in Jamaica today.

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