The City of Miramar is set to celebrate Jamaica’s Emancipation and Independence with its signature Jamaica Emancipendence “Ole Time Fair,” a free cultural event taking place on Saturday, August 2, 2025, from 3:00 p.m. to 11:00 p.m. at The Amphitheater at Miramar Regional Park, 16801 Miramar Parkway.
Hosted by Mayor Wayne M. Messam, who is of Jamaican descent, the event will highlight the island’s rich cultural legacy through music, food, and traditional activities. The fair is expected to draw families and culture lovers alike for a full day of entertainment and community engagement.
The lineup includes performances from reggae and dancehall legends such as Freddie McGregor, Chino McGregor, Ernie Smith, Tanto Metro & Devonte, and Warrior Love Band. A special tribute to the late Cocoa Tea will be performed by Jay Edge and Patrick Roach.
Beyond the music, the fair will feature a cultural showcase led by Dr. Sue, a Coronation Farmers Market with a free produce giveaway, a Kids Zone and Parent Cool Zone, and a variety of Caribbean food vendors and artisan stalls.
As a proud son of Jamaican immigrants, Mayor Messam shared his deep connection to the celebration, stating: “Jamaica’s Emancipation and Independence hold powerful meaning, not just for the Jamaican diaspora, but for all who value freedom, resilience, and cultural pride. It is an honor to host this celebration in Miramar, a City that embraces its diversity and Caribbean roots. This Fair is a tribute to our ancestors, our heritage, and our shared future.”
Admission and parking are free. Attendees are encouraged to register at MiramarJamaicaFair25.eventbrite.com.
Miramar’s Jamaican connection is deep-rooted — as of 2021, about 11.13% of the city’s roughly 134,000 residents identified as having Jamaican ancestry, which places it among the top U.S. cities for Jamaican population share. In Broward County, where Miramar is located, more than 118,000 people report Jamaican heritage.
That cultural influence is reflected in leadership too — Miramar is the only city in the United States where the mayor and most of the city commissioners are of Jamaican descent.
