Easter in Jamaica is more than just a religious observance—it’s a time of deep reflection, cultural expression, and family traditions that have been passed down for generations. From solemn church services to the joyous tradition of kite flying and the irresistible taste of bun and cheese, Easter is one of the most widely celebrated holidays on the island. Easter blends spirituality, tradition, and togetherness in uniquely Jamaican ways.
This article is the first in our Easter mini-series exploring the different facets of how Jamaicans celebrate the season. Whether in the countryside, at the beach, or gathered around the dinner table, Jamaicans come together to honor faith, enjoy delicious food, and create lasting memories. This series will walk you through the moments that make it all unforgettable.
🕊️ A Time of Worship and Reflection
At the heart of Easter in Jamaica is its religious significance. Good Friday and Easter Sunday are among the most important days on the Christian calendar, marking the crucifixion and resurrection of Jesus Christ. Many Jamaicans observe the 40-day Lenten season leading up to Easter by fasting, praying, and giving up certain indulgences such as meat, alcohol, or sweets.
On Good Friday, churches across the island hold solemn services, where hymns are sung, scriptures are read, and the story of Jesus’ sacrifice is recounted. Some churches even stage dramatic reenactments of the crucifixion. Then, on Easter Sunday, the mood shifts to one of jubilation as congregations gather for vibrant sunrise services celebrating Christ’s resurrection.
Do you attend church on Easter weekend? Tell us about your favorite Easter hymns or traditions in the comments!
🧀 Bun and Cheese: The Taste of Easter
No Jamaican Easter is complete without the iconic spiced bun and cheese. This beloved tradition dates back to British influences when hot cross buns were a staple during the Easter season. Over time, Jamaicans put their own spin on it, creating a soft, sweet, and spiced loaf enriched with raisins, nutmeg, cinnamon, and molasses, often made even richer with a splash of stout.
Paired with a thick slice of Jamaican cheddar cheese, Easter bun is enjoyed in homes, at picnics, and even gifted among friends and family. Supermarkets and bakeries see a surge in demand as people rush to stock up on their favorite brands or homemade versions, making it one of the most anticipated treats of the season.
Are you team homemade or store-bought bun? Snap a pic of your Easter bun and tag us @myshowcasejamaica!
🐟Fish on Good Friday: A Culinary Tradition
In keeping with Christian tradition, many Jamaicans avoid meat on Good Friday, making fish the centerpiece of the day’s meals. And not just any fish—escovitch fish is the undisputed star. Fried until crisp and topped with a spicy, pickled escovitch sauce made from onions, carrots, Scotch bonnet, and pimento, it’s a bold, tangy dish that embodies Jamaican flavor.
For others, it’s all about fried sprat served with hard dough bread or even bun, keeping things simple and satisfying—especially since many families choose not to cook on Good Friday. Instead, meals are prepared in advance and shared cold or at room temperature, often enjoyed with a quiet sense of reverence.
Whether it’s eaten at home, taken to the beach, or brought to a family gathering, fish on Good Friday is more than food—it’s tradition.
What’s your Good Friday go-to—escovitch, sprat, or something else? Share your recipe or food pic with us @myshowcasejamaica!
🎏 Kite Flying: A Nostalgic Easter Pastime
Once a beloved Easter tradition across Jamaica, kite flying has become less common in recent years, but it still holds a special place in the hearts of many Jamaicans. In the past, children would spend days crafting kites from bamboo, brown paper, and glue, often adding a buzzing “singer” that gave the kites their signature hum as they soared through the air.
While fewer kites fill the skies today, the tradition lives on through Easter kite festivals and family events, especially in parks and open spaces. These gatherings offer a chance for a new generation to experience the joy and creativity of kite building—and for older ones to reconnect with sweet childhood memories.
Did you spot any kites this Easter? Tag us or share a throwback memory from your kite-flying days!
🏖️ Beach Trips and Family Gatherings
Easter weekend is one of the biggest family holidays in Jamaica, and for many, that means heading to the beach. With schools closed and extra time off work, Jamaicans pack up their coolers, beach chairs, and sound systems and head for the coast—especially to popular spots like Hellshire, Fort Clarence, Ocho Rios, and Treasure Beach.
It’s not just about the sun and sea—it’s a full social experience. Families set up tents, buy fish and festival, play dominoes, and reconnect with relatives they might not see regularly. For others, the Easter break is a time to escape the city and retreat to the countryside, where things move a bit slower, but the traditions—like bun and cheese or Good Friday fish—are just as strong.
Whether beachside or bush-bound, Easter in Jamaica is a time to pause, gather, and reset.
Where’s your go-to Easter chill spot—beach, bush, or backyard?
🎭 Jamaica Carnival: Where Easter Meets Mas
In recent years, Jamaica Carnival has become an undeniable part of the Easter season, infusing the island with vibrant color, soca music, and high-energy celebration. Though not directly tied to religious tradition, Carnival often coincides with Easter weekend, making it a unique time when faith and festivity share the spotlight.
From Kingston to Ocho Rios, the streets come alive with costumed road marches, high-tempo fetes, and all-inclusive band launches. Revelers in dazzling outfits whine down the road to the infectious rhythm of soca, dancehall, and steelpan—showcasing the Caribbean’s collective joy and resilience.
And while Good Friday might be spent in quiet reflection, by Easter Monday, it’s all about freedom, expression, and playing mas. For many Jamaicans, Carnival is not just a party—it’s culture, empowerment, and celebration of identity.
Do you plan on taking part in the Carnival this Easter? Show us your costume or tell us what band you jumping with!
🌿 Conclusion
Easter in Jamaica is a celebration in every sense of the word. It’s a time when faith is renewed, family ties are strengthened, and our rich traditions take center stage. From the solemnity of Good Friday services to the sweet comfort of bun and cheese, from childhood kite memories to beachside cookouts and vibrant Carnival road marches—Easter reflects the full rhythm of Jamaican life.
It’s this unique blend of reverence and revelry that makes the season so special. Whether you’re singing hymns at sunrise or dancing in feathers by sunset, Easter in Jamaica is a time to embrace who we are—faithful, festive, and full of flavor.
How do you celebrate Easter in Jamaica? Share your favorite traditions, photos, or family moments in the comments or tag @myshowcasejamaica—we’d love to feature your story!
Until next time, Walk Good.
