Church Near Runaway Bay Invites People to Celebrate Emancipation with Free Entertainment in Family Setting, Friday
RUNAWAY BAY, St Ann; July 31, 2026
The St Ann Baptist Association is putting on an evening of cultural celebration and entertainment to mark Emancipation- the coming of freedom to enslaved people in Jamaica. The event at Salem Baptist Church, near Runaway Bay, starts at 7 p.m. and closes at midnight before ‘Augus Mawning’.
Pastor of Salem Baptist Church near Runaway Bay, Rev Gareth Irvin says the event is in keeping with the long tradition of observing Emancipation as a very important date in the country’s history. Baptists have been historically associated with the fight for freedom. In recent years, the Emancipation Celebration of the St Ann Baptists was held in Ocho Rios at the church on Milford Road, but Pastor Irvin says it’s returning home to Salem.
Asked by the North Coast Times if this was not competing with the national Emancipation Jubilee at Seville Heritage Park, also in the parish, Pastor Irvin said all it represented was additional opportunities for people. Those who might otherwise have difficulties getting to Seville, or have issues with parking there, or who might want a church setting, Salem has provided that opportunity.
He said the event was aimed at, ”Gathering Christians from across the parish to celebrate our culture but also to acknowledge the history in a family setting,” hence the entertainment was being provided.
Pastor Irvin said it was intended to “keep the younger generation abreast of our history and keep the older members in touch.”
The organizers are planning to provide old board and ring games and cultural items, including storytelling and teaching of some traditional dances such as the Quadrille. The entertainment package is free.
“We are catering to the whole person, creating a space where persons can come and be edified and have fun.”
Traditional Jamaican cuisine will be on sale at the event. Chocolate tea will be free.
At midnight, to close the celebration, there will be the reading of the Emancipation Proclamation, which ushered in “full free.”
