in jamaica’s spotlight

June 7th, 2010

Calabash

Over Memorial Day weekend, one of the world’s most anticipated literary festivals, Calabash Literary Festival, took place for the 10th year in a row at Jakes, the seaside retreat located in Treasure Beach on Jamaica’s south coast. The quiet fishing town plays host to the annual festival, which attracted over 2000 guests this year. On a stage decked in coconuts and conch shells, guests were entertained by global literary talents including Nigerian-native Nobel Laureate, Wole Soyinka and U.S. Poet Laureate Billy Collins. The three-day cultural festival features readings, discussions, reggae music, film screenings and yummy authentic Jamaican cuisine (Jerk chicken! Ackee! Salt fish!)

While out of sight and many miles away, the recent turmoil was not out of mind for the festival-goers as the theme of the necessity of arts in a time of crisis was a consistent thread throughout the weekend. The Wall Street Journal perfectly described the event as “all that’s right about Jamaica”.

The festival takes place annually in May. Check back for more information on the 2011 event!

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