Clarendon's Emancipation & Independence Celebrations 2025

By Serenity Resource Connector (SRC)

Celebrating Our Culture: Clarendon Emancipation and Independence 2025

In a truly uplifting episode of the Serenity Resource Connector Live Forum, host Winsome Sherrier Witter guided us through Clarendon’s vibrant calendar of events for Jamaica’s 2025 Emancipation and Independence season. With pride in our hearts and national colours blazing, this year’s theme, “Jamaica 63: Be Proud, Be Bold in the Black, Green, and Gold”, sets the tone for celebrations across the parish and beyond.

Guests in Focus:

We were joined by two dynamic cultural ambassadors:

• Mrs Pauline Henry Blake, Chairperson of the Clarendon Cultural Committee

• Miss Sheri-Gaye Johnson, Miss Clarendon Festival Queen 2022 and first runner-up Miss Jamaica Festival Queen

Together, they painted a rich picture of cultural preservation, youth engagement, and community celebration.

Key Highlights from the Forum

1. Spiritual Start: Church Service – July 27

• Venue: Lionel Town Open Bible Church

• Purpose: Give thanks for 191 years of Emancipation and 63 years of Independence

• Features: Performances by national finalists, reading of official messages

2. Emancipation Vigil & Cultural Show – July 31, 8:00 PM

• Location: Summerfield, Donald Sangster Community Centre

• Cultural Features:

  • Revival groups, mento bands, and traditional drumming

  • Seniors demonstrating the preparation of traditional foods like dukunu (blue draws) and real Jamaican chocolate tea

  • Midnight reading of the Emancipation Proclamation by the Custos representative

• Community Call: Bring your enamel cup and immerse yourself in this authentic cultural experience

3. Independence Flag Raising Ceremony – August 6, 9:00 AM

• Location: Clarendon Municipal Corporation Parking Lot - Sevens Road, May Pen

• Symbolism: Recreating the historic flag hoisting of 1962

• Educational Value: Instilling pride and discipline in our youth about Jamaica’s national symbols

4. Crofts Hill Donkey Carnival – August 6, 12 noon

• Location: Crofts Hill, Clarendon

• Interactive event featuring decorated donkeys, crafts, and cultural displays

• A beloved tradition that brings rural heritage to the forefront

5. Independence Gala and Street Dance – August 6, 8:00 PM

• Venue: May Pen Square

• Featuring: Local talents and popular artistes such as I-Waata and ZJ Rush

• Special Feature: Fireworks in Clarendon for the first time in recent memory

Cultural Insight and Community Impact

Mrs Henry Blake emphasised the importance of partnerships with the Clarendon Municipal Corporation, Parish Development Committee (PDC), Social Development Commission (SDC), and community elders. Preparation of traditional items is supported by local volunteers, youth clubs, and schools. The preparation of cultural foods, from grating coconut to wrapping dukunu, fosters intergenerational learning and unity.

Miss Sheri-Gaye Johnson shared her journey as a Festival Queen, reflecting on her civic engagements, her training as a certified Jamaican tourism ambassador, and the pride that comes from representing Clarendon at the national level. She highlighted the importance of civics education in schools and engaging young people where they are - not only on social media, but through policies and direct involvement.

Messages for the Diaspora

Both guests invited Jamaicans living abroad to:

• Plan annual trips home for the Emancipation and Independence season

• Support local initiatives, including sponsorship of performance costumes and cultural activities

• Tune into livestreams, such as the Serenity Resource Connector YouTube channel, to stay engaged

• Share and promote Clarendon’s culture across global communities

Where to Find the Full Calendar: Clarendon Emancipation and Independence 2025

The calendar of events is available through:

• The JCDC website

• The Ministry of Culture website

• The Clarendon Municipal Corporation website

• The SRC blog and WhatsApp shares

📢 Upcoming Events in Clarendon

Flyers | Videos | Community Happenings

ROTOLYMPICS SPORTS COMMUNITY CLUB FUNDRAISING EVENT

GWEM FOUNDATION FUNDRAISING EVENT

For updates, follow the SRC blog and our social platforms.

Final Words: The Spirit of Celebration

• Mrs Henry Blake's word: Freedom

• Miss Sheri-Gaye Johnson's word: Electric

Together, they captured the soul of our celebrations. From food to dance, from youth empowerment to ancestral remembrance, Clarendon is leading with heart, heritage, and harmony.

As we prepare to commemorate our freedom and independence, let us celebrate our cultural identity, support our communities, and proudly wave our flags. There is truly nothing like the Jamaican spirit.

Walk good and wave your flag high – wherever you are!