Charles Town Maroon Conference & Festival

Discover Jamaica's living Maroon heritage through drumming, dance, traditional cuisine and culture.

The International Charles Town Maroon Conference & Festival is a vibrant four-day celebration of Jamaica’s Maroon heritage, bringing together traditional music, dance, storytelling, cuisine and cultural experiences in the historic community of Charles Town, Portland.

Centred around the annual observance of Ancestor Quao Victory Day on June 23, the festival honours the resilience, traditions and enduring legacy of Jamaica’s Windward Maroons.

Visitors can experience a fascinating combination of cultural performances, community celebrations, academic discussions and traditional ceremonies, offering a meaningful introduction to an important part of Jamaica’s history.

What to Expect

Traditional Drumming, Dance & Cultural Performances

Experience the powerful rhythms of traditional Maroon drumming, accompanied by cultural dance, storytelling and musical performances.

The festival celebrates the community’s rich musical heritage through performances and workshops featuring traditions such as Kumina, Nyabinghi and West African drumming.

Maroon History & Living Heritage

Discover the remarkable history of Jamaica’s Windward Maroons through presentations, discussions and cultural activities.

The academic conference brings together scholars, historians, community leaders and cultural practitioners to explore Maroon history, indigenous knowledge, heritage preservation and contemporary issues.

Ancestor Quao Victory Day

A highlight of the festival is the annual observance of Ancestor Quao Victory Day on June 23.

This important commemoration honours Captain Quao and the Windward Maroons’ struggle for freedom and self-determination.

Traditional ceremonies, ancestral tributes, drumming, storytelling and cultural performances form part of the observance, with activities traditionally centred around the Asafu Yard and nearby river.

Authentic Maroon Cuisine

Food is an important part of the festival experience.

Visitors can discover traditional Maroon cooking and Jamaican favourites, including authentic jerk preparations, curried crayfish, run dung, ground provisions, bammy and other local specialities.

Food stalls and community vendors contribute to the welcoming atmosphere while showcasing the region’s culinary traditions.

Community Celebrations & Cultural Experiences

The festival also brings together community activities, traditional crafts, cultural workshops and celebrations of Taíno heritage.

Visitors can experience the warmth of the Charles Town community while discovering traditions that continue to be shared across generations.

Admission & Festival Information

The festival typically takes place over four days in June, culminating in Ancestor Quao Victory Day on June 23.

Individual activities, admission arrangements and programme details may vary between editions.

For festival announcements and visitor information, visit the Charles Town Maroons.

The 2026 Charles Town Maroon Conference & Festival programme provides an excellent overview of the activities traditionally associated with the event.