Accompong
A Maroon town in the hills of Jamaica, founded by descendants of escaped Africans, whose heritage includes a spirit tradition called Myal and Kromanti dance.
Practised and told of here
Best time: 6 January, or by arrangement in the dry season.
The Maroons were people who escaped slavery in Jamaica and formed their own communities. A treaty with the British in 1739 gave Accompong's people land and self-rule, which they still hold. The town is named for Captain Cudjoe's brother Accompong.
Kromanti and Myal
Maroon religion centres on ancestors and the Kromanti play, a ceremony in which ancestors are said to possess participants. Myal, a Jamaican tradition of spirit work, is linked to healing and to counter-magic against Obeah. Obeah itself has been outlawed in Jamaica since the colonial period, and was often blamed for resistance.
The festival
Each year on 6 January the Maroons hold a celebration of the 1739 treaty with a day of drumming, food and ceremony. Many parts of the rites are closed to visitors.
Visiting
Visits should be arranged through the Maroon council or a local guide. Guides explain which parts are shown and which are private.
A respectful visit to Accompong
Living communities are not a show. Ask before photographing a person or a ceremony, and follow local rules.
- The Maroon council Arrange a visit through the community.
- The Peace Cave Visit the cave linked to the treaty.
- The festival, 6 January Attend as a guest.
Written by the EveryJaadu desk with AI assistance. Background: "Accompong" on Wikipedia. Opening hours, markets and ceremonies change; check locally before travelling. If something is wrong, tell us.
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