What are Jamaican New Year’s traditions?
The community and culture in Jamaica shine at the dawn of the new year. Traditions like Pantomime, the New Year’s Eve Ball, and Watch Night Service strengthen communities through spirituality, entertainment, and unforgettable celebrations. It’s a day to express joy and embrace the new year with loved ones. Whether you’re in the bustling Kingston streets or beside the beach, learn how Jamaica celebrates New Year’s.
Send money from United States to Jamaica
If you have family and loved ones in Jamaica, send them money to help them achieve their New Year’s resolutions. You can send money the way the works best for you. Whether you prefer going online, using the Western Union app or sending money in person at an agent location, Western Union has your back.
Watch Night Service
The Watch Night Service is held in churches across the island. Congregants gather on December 31st for a Mass service before the new year. It’s a solemn and joyous occasion; parishioners seek divine blessings and guidance for the year ahead. This tradition is spiritually uplifting, grounding the new year in prayer, worship, and reflection.
New Year’s resolutions
Just like people all over the world, Jamaicans embrace the tradition of making New Year’s resolutions. They commit to healthier lifestyles, pursuing new careers, and other personal goals to start off the new year. Intention is important to help kick off the new year, and New Year’s resolutions in Jamaica often revolve around self-improvement, fostering a sense of growth and self-reflection.
Clappas
Firecrackers, or “clappas” as they’re referred to in Jamaica, are a large part of Jamaican New Year’s celebrations. You’ll hear them in the street after midnight. Children and adults will light and throw clappas in the street. The barrage of fireworks is loud and will wake up anyone who fell asleep early.
Pantomime theater
Pantomime is a beloved form of theater in Jamaica and plays a significant role in New Year’s festivities. These theatrical productions combine comedy, music, and dance to tell captivating stories. During the holiday season, many Jamaicans attend Pantomime shows, making it a cherished tradition. The performances showcase the talents of local actors and artists, bringing Jamaican communities together every year.
New Year’s Eve Ball
For those seeking a glamorous celebration, Jamaica’s New Year’s Eve Ball is a must-attend event. Held at upscale venues across the island, this soirée offers a lavish experience to ring in the new year. Attendees enjoy live music, gourmet cuisine, and champagne toasts, and most balls have a theme. It’s customary for attendees to be dressed to the nines in appropriate attire. The New Year’s Eve Ball combines elegance with its unique traditions, making it an unforgettable celebration.
No Dirty Laundry
A niche Jamaican tradition is the practice of ensuring “No Dirty Laundry” on New Year’s Day. This superstition holds that washing clothes on the first day of the year could wash away good fortune. As a result, Jamaicans refrain from doing laundry on New Year’s Day, choosing to start the year with clean slates and clothes. So, keep your clothes dirty so you don’t lose any good luck for the new year.
Jamaica’s New Year’s traditions are a vibrant mix of spirituality, music, culture, and superstition. From making New Year’s resolutions to attending Watch Night Services, dancing to the beat of Clappas, enjoying Pantomime performances, and dressing up for the New Year’s Eve Ball, there’s something for everyone in Jamaica’s celebrations.
If you want to impart good fortune to your loved ones in Jamaica, you can send them money from United States to Jamaica for the new year.
You can go online or download the Western Union app to send and receive money reliably and conveniently. You can also visit an agent location if you prefer to handle transactions in person.
