A Brief Description of Grand Market in Jamaica

For those who do not have a clue of the Jamaican term "Grand Market,"  it is a terminology that is used to describe the day before Christmas.  It is the time when people clean their homes, bake and cook up a storm, fix the yard and of course, shopping or partying until dawn in the main towns.  The roads are jammed with people and vehicles are everywhere.  Many homes are often seen with Christmas lights especially


We adults tend to call it "Children's Day" for it is the day for toy purchase, eating ice cream and fast food and to put on the best set of clothes for public display much to the children's delight.  Well, the taxis and buses always stand to make a profit if they know how to transport the patrons without getting into accidents become this is the time when people choose to emerge from their homes to look at the main towns, the clothes, dance to the sound-systems placed at the different shopping malls.  Also, there are those who will rent cars and hire drivers to travel to at least three towns and "drink up the bar."


I am not sure if there are many records documenting the genesis of Grand Market, but it seems to have a link to our island's colonial history during the time of crop over.  This was a time in December of each year when all the plantation workers were allowed to socialize and celebrate one day of rest and were allowed to participate in "John Canoe."  Then it would be back to work planting cane for the next crop over season.

"John Canoe," in Jamaica was seen in the main towns that had an Estate House.  This was a group of men dressed in costumes representing male and female characters.  The characters are as follows:

Set Girls (red set, blue set)
Sailor
Policeman
Belly Woman
Wild Indian
Devil
Horsehead
Cowhead's
Jack-In-The-Green
The House Jonkunnu
Pitchy-Patchy
Pitchy-Patchy
Koo-Koo or Actor Boy



The accompanying musical instruments for this annual event of the past were the drum and the fife but other instruments have been added to create variety in sounds.  The music was of African origin and can be entertaining once the right set of dancers are used.  However, for the last few years, only a few community groups continue this practice but the energy and vigor are not as upbeat as what was displayed in the past, however, persons have tried to preserve the practice as much as possible by keeping this tradition alive every Christmas.

Grand Market has always been a grand Jamaican event, and will remain so, even with the changes in generation and time.