Spanish Town and St. Catherine

Entertainment

With over a million people, the parish of St. Catherine has the largest share of Jamaica’s population. Spanish Town, the sedate parish capital, was Jamaica’s center of government until the British bureaucrats relocated to Kingston in 1872. Known simply as Spain or St. Jago in street lingo, the city has a rich heritage but has been largely left to decay. Its central square is more a bend along the road than a center of activity. Still, it has impressive facades and is home to Jamaica’s national archives. The oldest Anglican Church outside of England is within a five-minute walk.

Spanish Town and surrounding communities like Old Harbour and Freetown have grown rapidly with housing schemes that respond to a demand for low-income housing from first-time home buyers. Most activity in Spanish Town today revolves around the two malls and bus park along Burke Road. Mandela Highway has heavy traffic into Kingston from Spanish Town during weekday rush hours (between 7 a.m. and 9:30 a.m. and back out in the evenings between 4 p.m. and 7:30 p.m.).

 

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Fisherman's Cabin

Fisherman’s Cabin (4 p.m.–midnight Mon.–Wed., 10 a.m.–2 a.m. Thurs.–Sun., US$7–14) has tables right on a dock overlooking the harbor down in a corner by Port Royal Square.

The whole of Port Royal is a popular weekend outing destination for Kingstonians who come seeking the fish, lobster, and seafood platters.

In: Seafood, Bars

Caymanas Park

Caymanas Park horse track is recognized as one of the best horse-racing tracks in the Caribbean. Regular races are held on select Wednesdays and Saturdays, with the occasional Monday race, and are usually well attended. In 2009, a proposal to start regular Sunday races met strong opposition from Christian groups, which objected to gambling on a holy day. Admission ranges US$0.50–4, depending on seating. Caymanas Track Ltd.

In: Gaming & Gambling

Jam World

Jam World is a large venue in Portmore that hosts Sting, an annual Boxing Day event.

In: Live Music