On the morning of March 2nd 2024 I decided to tick of an event from my list of Annual Food Events to attend in Jamaica, if you haven't seen it yet be sure to check it out, but after you spend the day with me!
The Jamaica Defense Force Newcastle Camp, nestled in the lush Bloom Mountains was the venue for the Jamaica Blue Mountain Coffee Festival. Despite the gloomy skies and rain that accompanied us throughout the day, the picturesque scenery and the incredible offerings made it a feast for the senses.
As I wandered through the festival grounds, I thought how it sucked that it was raining and usually people say rain "rains on their parade" but I think the chilly and foggy atmosphere made the cup of warm coffee feel like I was "sipping on sunshine" and was the perfect pairing; cold and wet weather+ the warmth of a good cup of coffee=perfect!
Many stalls dotted the festival grounds, offering a variety of treats to complement the coffee experience. I indulged in Jamaican jerk chicken paired with a Lychee Refresher Mocktail Pouch from Cocktails to go—a flavor explosion that perfectly balanced!
There were lots of freebies to enjoy as vendors gave samples for their products but generally things were inexpensive as they either had festival prices or sample products. So, if you wanna go next year I'd budget a minimum of $5,000.00JMD.
What truly made the Jamaica Coffee Festival special was the passion of the exhibitors. Conversations with local entrepreneurs such as Smith's Rum Cream revealed the dedication and love they pour into
their craft. They have the yummiest Butterscotch flavor that taste just like the candy! Each booth told a story of the land, the people, and the traditions that make Jamaican coffee and our culture a true treasure.
A huge highlight for me was the warmest interaction with a Barista from the Deaf Can stall and learning how to say thank you in Sign Language. The interaction really proved to me that persons with disability can be integrated seamlessly into society and the Deaf Can group is playing such a huge part in fostering that.
The rain didn't dampen the spirits of the attendees or the live entertainment that graced the festival. Debbie Bissoon hosted the show that took us from reggae beats echoing through the mountains to dance and musical performances, the atmosphere was lively and electric. The organizers seamlessly blended the cultural richness of Jamaica with the love for coffee, creating an event that transcended the weather.
As the day unfolded, I found myself appreciating the beauty of the rain-kissed mountains, the warmth of the coffee, and the vibrant spirit of Jamaica. The Jamaica Coffee Festival, with its blend of flavors, culture, and resilience against the rain, left me with memories that will linger like the lingering notes of a perfect cup of Blue Mountain coffee.
Until the next foodie adventure!
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