DEL ARNO BAND CELEBRATES ITS 40TH ANNIVERSARY ON SEPTEMBER 19, 2026 AT THE BOTANICAL GARDEN
Del Arno Band, the largest and most influential reggae group in the region, will celebrate 40 years of musical career with a major concert in Belgrade on September 19, 2026, at the Botanical Garden “Jevremovac”. The legendary band has dedicated this entire year to celebrating this milestone through performances across the region, culminating, as they say, at what is probably the best venue in Belgrade for their concert. The anniversary event will be further enriched by special guests, including distinguished former members of the band.
The Consulate of Jamaica extends its sincere congratulations to Del Arno Band on this remarkable anniversary, marking 40 years of successful work, creativity, dedication to reggae music and the values that reggae embodies: freedom, tolerance, understanding, unity, and respect for diversity.
CONGRATULATIONS! ONE LOVE!
06.08.2026. – 64th ANNIVERSARY OF JAMAICA’S INDEPENDENCE
Happy Independence Day to all Jamaicans around the world!
This year Jamaica celebrates its 64th Anniversary of Independence under the theme "United in Celebrating Resilience".
The period between the last week of July and the first half of August, and most prominently on August 6 when Independence Day is celebrated, is a period of significant celebrations in Jamaica.
As Minister of Culture, Gender, Entertainment and Sport, the Honourable Olivia Grange OJ, CD, MP noted this year's Independence celebrations represent more than commemorative events, describing them as an opportunity for Jamaicans to celebrate their shared resilience while looking confidently towards the future.
Official calendar of events planned in observance of this very important occasion can be found below.
ONE LOVE!
01.08.2026. EMANCIPATION DAY!
On 1 August 1838, Jamaica affirmed full freedom from slavery. On that day in Saint Catherine, Jamaica, Jamaica’s governor read the Emancipation Declaration.
Let's celebrate this special day with Bob Marley’s ”Redemption Song”
HAPPY EMANCIPATION DAY JAMAICA!
28.07.2026. – JAMAICA IS THE MOST PEACEFUL COUNTRY IN THE CARIBBEAN
According to the 2026 Global Peace Index produced by the Institute for Economics and Peace, Jamaica is ranked as the most peaceful country in the Caribbean.
Globally, the island placed 70th out of 163 countries and ranked third in the North and Central America region, behind only Canada and Costa Rica.
The Global Peace Index is one of the world's leading measures of national peacefulness, assessing countries based on indicators such as societal safety and security, levels of conflict, and militarization. Jamaica's top position in the Caribbean reflects continued progress in creating a safer and more stable environment for residents, visitors, and businesses.
This achievement further strengthens Jamaica's reputation as a premier destination for tourism and investment, highlighting the country's commitment to sustainable development, community well-being, and economic growth.
23.07.2026. - DEL ARNO BAND CELEBRATES 40 YEARS OF EXISTENCE
With the support of the Consulate of Jamaica, Del Arno Band will hold a concert on July 23, 2026, at Ždreban as part of the Natural Mystic Festival, marking the first 40 years of their career. The date is especially significant as it coincides with the most important day in reggae and Rastafari tradition – Rastafari Day, the birthday of His Imperial Majesty Haile Selassie I.
Known for their consistent dedication to reggae culture, Del Arno Band has been one of the most important pillars of the regional reggae scene for four decades. Throughout 2026, the band will celebrate this major anniversary with a series of special concerts and events across the region. One of the central celebrations will be an evening dedicated to music, unity, love, and tolerance – values that have brought reggae lovers together for years – taking place precisely at the Natural Mystic Festival.
ONE LOVE!
21.06.2026. AFRO FESTIVAL 2026
The Consulate once again took part in the Afro Festival – Durbar Day, a celebration of friendship, music and dance hosted at the Museum of African Art. The event was held on Sunday 21.06.2026. from 10 AM to 6 PM.
Consulate presented a vibrant stand featuring cooked Blue Mountain coffee, Jerk Chicken and Jerk Pork with rice and peas, Jamaican Rum Punch and a variety of items inspired by Jamaican culture (T-shirts, caps, cups, handmade jewelry, bags, and more). The stand was decorated with Jamaican flags and promotional materials, creating a lively atmosphere.
After the positive response in 2025, we once again organized a quiz where participants guessed Bob Marley song titles represented through emoticons. The activity entertained guests and rewarded those who solved all the clues with special gifts.
Our chef, Jamaican student Tahjae Bryan prepared the food and together with dr. Horace Thompson, served the popular Jamaican dishes, which were warmly received by festival visitors. The food and drinks proved to be a highlight of the day.
Further details about the festival can be found on the Museum’s website: https://www.mau.rs/sr/61-vesti/najava-doga%C4%91aja/2534-afro-festival-2026.html
17.06.2026. – AFRO FESTIVAL 2026
As in previous years, the Consulate of Jamaica will once again participate in the Afro Festival at the Museum of African Art (Andre Nikolića 14, Senjak) on Sunday, June 21, at a special part of the festival – “Durbar – Festival of Festivals,” a day dedicated to music, dance, and friendship.
We invite you to visit our stand, where you will be able to enjoy traditional Jamaican dishes such as Jerk Chicken and Jerk Pork with rice and beans, savor the taste and aroma of freshly made Blue Mountain coffee, refresh yourself with Rum Punch made from Blackwell rum, and renew your collection of souvenirs from our selection.
26.05.2026. - FIRST JAMAICAN TO CLIMB EVEREST – ROHAN FREEMAN
Rohan Freeman is the first Jamaican to summit Mount Everest, first in 2009 and again on May 23, 2026, at approximately 6:45 a.m.
Born in Jamaica, Freeman later immigrated to the United States to attend the University of Connecticut, where he studied civil engineering and developed an interest in athletics and mountain climbing. Despite living with asthma, he began tackling major peaks in the early 2000s.
Rohan Freeman is also a celebrated mountaineer who became the first Jamaican and African-American to conquer the Seven Summits (the highest peaks on each continent):
- 2002 – Mount Kilimanjaro
- 2005 – Denali (formerly known as Mount McKinley)
- 2006 – Mount Elbrus and Aconcagua
- 2009 – Mount Everest
- 2011 – Vinson Massif
- 2012 – Carstensz Pyramid
CONGRATULATIONS ROHAN! 🎉
More information: Watch the video
25.05.2026. – 11th BIENNIAL JAMAICA DIASPORA CONFERENCE 2026
The 11th Biennial Jamaica Diaspora Conference 2026 brings together Jamaican leaders and innovators across the globe to collaborate on the development of the nation’s future.
It's an opportunity you don't want to miss!
📍Montego Bay, Jamaica
📅 June 14 - 18
Register now: Link in bio
20.04.2026. – 11th BIENNIAL JAMAICA DIASPORA CONFERENCE 2026
The 11th Biennial Jamaica Diaspora Conference 2026 brings together Jamaican leaders and innovators across the globe to collaborate on the development of the nation’s future.
It's an opportunity you don't want to miss!
📍Montego Bay, Jamaica
📅 June 14 - 18
Register now: Link in bio
15.04.2026. – YU GRUPA NEW ALBUM „BUS TO ZION“ – CULTURAL BRIDGE BETWEEN SERBIA AND JAMAICA
Organized by our Consulate, today at the packed Dorćol Platz, and in the presence of numerous musicians, media representatives, and friends, the promotion of YU Grupa’s new album – Bus to Zion – was held as part of the project Cultural Bridge – Serbia and Jamaica.
The album Bus to Zion brings eight iconic songs by YU Grupa, recorded in new reggae arrangements that uniquely connect two distant yet spiritually close countries – Serbia and Jamaica.
The new album of the legendary Serbian band YU Grupa, created during the band’s stay in Jamaica in collaboration with local musicians and under the organization of the Consulate, represents an exceptional reinterpretation of YU Grupa’s music in reggae style.
The event attracted significant media attention. We were especially honored to welcome our distinguished guests from Jamaica – producer Makonnen Hanna and journalist and author Barbara Blake Hanna – as well as the Chargé d’Affaires of the Jamaican Embassy in Berlin, Ms. Laura McNeil. Journalists and all attendees were highly impressed with the album and the overall execution of the promotion.
A special emotional tone was added to the promotion by the story of the butterfly’s symbolism, one of the central metaphors of the album. Connecting the famous song Crni leptir (“Black Butterfly”) with the story of children suffering from epidermolysis bullosa, the Honorary Consul of Jamaica in Serbia, Mr. Miljuš, announced that all proceeds from the sale of vinyl and CD editions – expected to amount to €20,000 – would be donated to the DEBRA association, which helps “butterfly children” live without pain. The association’s president, Snežana Janošević, expressed deep gratitude and emphasized that this was the most beautiful example of how music can also convey a powerful humanitarian message.
A musical reflection on the album was given by Olga Kepčija, who highlighted that Bus to Zion is an anthology release, not merely a reinterpretation of songs, but a new reading of the band’s own musical heritage through authentic reggae groove and the mystique of Jamaica. The new album was released in a limited edition of 500 copies, each numbered and containing an LP with eight songs and a maxi single, with all records signed by members of YU Grupa.
The promotion was also a true showcase of Jamaican culture, as the entire event was conceived in the spirit and style of Jamaica. Guests enjoyed traditional jerk chicken with rice and beans, as well as authentic drink - Jamaican rum punch, while the venue itself was arranged in a distinctly Jamaican style, creating a vivid Caribbean atmosphere.
Guests from Jamaica also had the opportunity to visit Banatski Sokolac, the place where a monument to Bob Marley was erected in 2008.
The new album is available on streaming platforms.
One love!
27.02.2026. – JAMAICA DAY - Celebrating Jamaica, Championing Kindness, Courage and Community
Today, is the official Jamaica Day celebration. This annual event is dedicated to celebrating Jamaica’s vibrant culture, heritage and national pride within schools and across the nation. It is designed to instil a sense of “Jamaicanness” in students and the wider society.
More information:
https://jis.gov.jm/jamaica-day-2026-set-for-february-27-under-theme-of-kindness-courage-and-community/
HAPPY JAMAICA DAY!
06.02.2026. – BOB MARLEY’S 81st BIRTHDAY CELEBRATION – „Positiv Vibration 81“
Annually, on February 6, thousands of fans worldwide take a moment to honour and celebrate the birth of the legendary Bob Marley, and this year is no different. This year, Bob Marley would have turned 81 and would go on to fulfil his calling – spreading messages of unity, love and brotherhood through music and activism.
In Jamaica celebration beggin from morning ceremony and Kid’s Village to Live at Bob’s Acoustic Show and closing with the Bob Marley Tribute concert at Emancipation Park, Kingston. It’s a full day of vibes, legacy and love.
More about the celebrations in Jamaica:
https://www.visitjamaica.com/event/reggae-month/42/
ONE LOVE!
01.02. – 02.03.2026. – REGGAE MONTH – „RHYTHMS OF RESILIENCE“
February is Reggae Month.
This year is the 17th anniversary of the official declaration of February as Reggae Month by the Governor General.
The Jamaican government officially declared February as reggae month in 2008. because both Bob Marley and Dennis Brown were born in February.
More than 60 events have been registered with the Reggae Month Secretariat this year.
All details about the celebrations in Jamaica:
www.mcges.gov.jm/index.php/culture/item/1182-2026-reggae-month-launched
www.visitjamaica.com/event/reggae-month/42/
01.02. – 02.03.2026. – REGGAE MONTH – „RHYTHMS OF RESILIENCE“
February is Reggae Month.
This year is the 17th anniversary of the official declaration of February as Reggae Month by the Governor General.
The Jamaican government officially declared February as reggae month in 2008. because both Bob Marley and Dennis Brown were born in February.
More than 60 events have been registered with the Reggae Month Secretariat this year.
All details about the celebrations in Jamaica:
www.mcges.gov.jm/index.php/culture/item/1182-2026-reggae-month-launched
www.visitjamaica.com/event/reggae-month/42/