Jamaica emerged as a standout presence at Winternational, Washington, D.C.’s largest international embassy showcase, captivating thousands of attendees with an immersive display of Jamaican culture, cuisine and tourism offerings.
The high-profile event attracted more than 8,000 guests and brought together representatives from over 70 embassies and cultural organisations at the Ronald Reagan Building and International Trade Center in downtown Washington.
Through its vibrant exhibit, Jamaica delivered a dynamic experience reflecting the island’s rich heritage and global influence. Visitors were treated to authentic Jamaican beef patties, Blue Mountain Coffee and samples of rum cake, while also engaging with cultural displays highlighting the country’s creativity. These included artwork by Cheery Josephs, a Jamaican painter based in New York.
The Jamaica Tourist Board, working in collaboration with the Embassy of Jamaica, used the platform to promote Jamaica as a diverse and resilient tourism destination.
“Winternational provides a unique platform for Jamaica to share our story with the world,” said Antony Anderson, Jamaica’s ambassador to the United States. “Jamaica’s participation was crucial, as following the passage of Hurricane Melissa, it is imperative that we let visitors know that Jamaica is open and the best way to support our recovery is to come for their usual visits.”
Jamaica’s presence resonated strongly throughout the day as the showcase transformed the venue into a global marketplace of culture and creativity. While guests explored exhibits from around the world, Jamaica’s display consistently drew interest for its authentic flavours, welcoming atmosphere and interactive elements, including selfies with a life-size image of reggae icon Bob Marley.
The event also highlighted Jamaica’s active engagement within Washington’s diplomatic community. Winternational opened with a private reception attended by ambassadors and senior diplomatic representatives, followed by the presentation of a mayoral proclamation officially declaring “Winternational Day” in Washington, D.C., underscoring the showcase’s role in public diplomacy.
Winternational is produced by the International Trade Center and hosted at the Ronald Reagan Building, with support from corporate, cultural and media partners committed to advancing international dialogue, trade and cultural understanding.
