Bun & Cheese and Beyond: How Jamaicans Celebrate Easter Differently

Experience the warmth, flavor, and faith of a Truly Jamaican Easter.

Jamaican spiced bun with cheese.

Easter in Jamaica isn’t just a religious holiday—it’s a full cultural experience. From mouth-watering traditions to community gatherings that blend African heritage with Christian customs, this is a season that touches every part of island life. Whether you're visiting during Holy Week or simply curious about the culture, here’s what makes a Truly Jamaican Easter so special:

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1. Bun & Cheese: A National Obsession

Let’s start with the star of the season—bun and cheese. This thick, spiced Easter bun, often filled with raisins and a hint of molasses, is traditionally eaten with slices of processed cheddar cheese. Some say it’s our twist on the British hot cross bun, others say it’s just delicious and we’ve claimed it as our own.

During Easter, supermarkets and corner shops are stacked with every version imaginable—from homemade styles to luxury brands wrapped like gifts. And yes, arguments break out over which brand is the “real” bun. It’s that serious.

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2. No Meat? No Problem. Let’s Talk Escovitch Fish

Because Good Friday is a day of fasting and reflection for many Christians, meat is often avoided, but you won’t go hungry. This is prime time for fried or escovitch fish, seasoned to perfection and served with bammy, festival, or hard dough bread. Families gather near beaches, rivers, or at home to share meals and memories.

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3. Up in the Sky: Kite-Flying with a Message

Easter weekend is also kite season in Jamaica. From children to grown adults, people take to the hills and beaches with handmade kites crafted from bamboo and colorful paper. The act of flying a kite symbolizes the resurrection and ascension of Christ—but it’s also pure joy.

If you’re lucky enough to be in Jamaica around this time, head to areas like Devon House or countryside towns, where local kite competitions turn into family festivals.

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4. Faith Runs Deep

Jamaica is a deeply spiritual place, and that’s especially visible during Holy Week. Churches host Good Friday services, Easter Sunday celebrations, and often Easter Monday outings with music, dance, and drama re-enactments of the crucifixion and resurrection.

Whether you're religious or not, the energy is magnetic—heartfelt, reverent, and hopeful.

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5. A Time to Reconnect

Beyond the food and tradition, Easter in Jamaica is about reconnection—with family, faith, nature, and self. It’s one of the most meaningful times of year to explore the island, as the vibe shifts from vibrant celebration to sacred calm and back again.

With Truly Jamaican Travel Services, you’re not just visiting the island—you’re experiencing it through the eyes of the people who live and love here. And trust us, you haven’t lived until you’ve had bun and cheese in Jamaica at Easter.