From Siparia to Kingston: Culture Across the Caribbean

Spending Easter weekend in Jamaica during Carnival season gave me the chance to explore beyond the road — from waterfalls and history to food and river experiences. After 4 trips to Jamaica, I’ve put together some of my favorite spots to check out across Jamaica.

With the relatively new toll road, the drive from Kingston to Ocho Rios now takes just over an hour, making it even easier to explore more of what the island has to offer.

One of Jamaica’s most iconic natural attractions. Even if you don’t climb, just being there and taking in the energy of the falls is an experience on its own.

🎥Watch:
Dunn’s River Falls

A leaning historic building that literally shifts your balance. It’s a fun and fascinating stop tied to Jamaica’s earthquake history.

A natural phenomenon where water can actually catch fire due to underground gases —definitely a unique experience.

If you want authentic Jamaican beach and seafood vibes, this is it. Fresh fish and lobster, and a lively local atmosphere.

🎥Watch:
Hellshire Beach, Jamaica

A rustic wooden bar in the middle of the sea — yes, literally. It was destroyed by the recent hurricane in Jamaica, but it was rebuilt and is up and running. You’ll need a boat to get there, but it’s worth it.

Relax on a bamboo raft as you drift through lush greenery, or take the lead and try your hand at guiding it — learning the technique that propels the raft forward.

This is where authentic jerk lives. Seasoned with Scotch bonnet and pimento, then slow-cooked over pimento wood — flavor on another level.

🎥 Watch
Boston Jerk Center in Portland, Jamaica

A more laid-back side of Jamaica with beautiful coastlines, great food, and a slower pace.

Take a walk through Kingston’s Art District, where walls tell stories and the city’s creativity is on full display.

If you’re visiting Jamaica during Easter season, Carnival is an experience you don’t want to miss. From high-energy fetes to the Road March through the streets of Kingston, it’s a full weekend of music, movement, and Caribbean expression.

Whether you’re coming for Carnival or just exploring the island, Jamaica offers a mix of culture, history, nature, and flavor that makes every stop an experience.

For Vanessa Headley-Brewster, steelpan is more than music – it’s legacy.

Raised within Golden Hands Steel Orchestra, she grew up surrounded by discipline, mentorship, and a deep respect for the craft, under the guidance of her mother, Franka Hills-Headley, who founded the band with a vision to develop young musicians through pan.

Today, Vanessa carries that vision forward as both arranger and leader, shaping the sound of Golden Hands while guiding the next generation.

Her contributions highlight the evolving role of women in pan, as she continues to shape sound and performance at a high level within the Panorama space and beyond. Through her work, she not only delivers compelling music but also helps to push the culture forward.

I also had the opportunity to sit down with her on the Livin’ Yuh Life Podcast, where she shared more about her journey, her philosophy on arranging, and her vision for the future of Golden Hands.

🎥 Watch the full interview:
🔗 Inside Golden Hands: Vanessa Headley-Brewster on Legacy, Music and Panorama

Each Holy Thursday, the town of Siparia in Trinidad comes alive with deep spiritual devotion and vibrant cultural expression for the celebration of Siparee Mai, also known as La Divina Pastora. Rooted in centuries of history, the event draws pilgrims of many faiths who come to pay homage to the revered statue—seen by Catholics as the Divine Shepherdess and by many Hindus as Siparee Mai, the Mother of Siparia.

The observance begins early on Holy Thursday morning from around 8:00 AM and continues throughout the day and into the night, carrying straight into Good Friday afternoon until about 2:00 PM.

This year, I experienced the Holy Thursday evening atmosphere firsthand, where the streets surrounding the La Divina Pastora Church were filled with energy. Vendors lined the area with fresh produce, Indian delicacies, artisan goods, and cultural merchandise, creating a lively street festival alongside the religious observance.

The Roman Catholic Church also held its Holy Thursday evening service, including the traditional washing of the feet, adding another layer of spiritual significance to the night.

Beyond the church, the wider community joined in the celebration. On High Street, the Open Bible Church hosted a gospel event, while Southern Stars Steel Orchestra added musical flavor to the night. The celebration also included an Easter Bonnet Competition, showcasing the creativity of children and teens across age groups.

If you missed it, you can experience the atmosphere from the ground here:
👉 Siparee Mai (La Divina Pastora) Festival 2026 LIVE | Holy Thursday in Siparia, Trinidad

Siparee Mai continues to be a powerful reflection of Trinidad’s cultural fusion—where faith, history, and community meet in one shared space.

Hueloy Yip Young, pannist and founding member of Solo Harmonites, celebrated 82 years this week, marking decades of contribution to Trinidad and Tobago’s steelpan movement.

His legacy as a musician and pioneer continues to inspire generations within the pan fraternity.

Calypsonian, Prison Steel Orchestra, Skiffle Steel Orchestra, Pan Trinbago Trustee

Darwren “Pharoah” Greenidge, a dedicated Prison Officer, Pan Trinbago trustee, and cultural ambassador, leaves behind a legacy of over 29 years of service and impact.

Known for his powerful presence in the calypso fraternity and for being a member and former captain of the Prison Service Steel Orchestra, he will not be forgotten for his contributions to music and culture.

May his legacy live on through the music, the stages he graced, and the lives he touched.

Uptown Fascinators Youth Program

Ages: 8 - 21yrs
Classes Begin: April 14, 2026
Cost: $200/month | $500/term

Location:
Uptown Fascinators Pan Theatre
#2 Smithfield Rd, Scarborough, Tobago

Contact:
1-868-290-2496
1-868-375-0368
1-868-797-8803

C&B CrownCordaans Steel Orchestra

Beginners, Intermediate, Advanced
Saturdays — 1:00 PM to 5:00 PM
Registration begins: March 21, 2026

Location:
C&B Crowncordaans Panyard
Milford Road, Canaan, Tobago

Contact:
Mr. Trim: 1-868-756-8579
Ms. Hamilton: 1-868-333-5054
Ms. Mitchell: 1-868-772-9078

Arima Angel Harps Steel Orchestra

Classes start: Saturday 11 April, 2026
Cost: $100 Registration Fee + $200 per month

Contact:
Mersuda: 1-868-487-1481
Noel Edwards: 1-868-706-4144
Soriya: 1-868-796-0462

Couva Joylanders Steel Orchestra

16 and over
Tuesdays — 8:00 PM to 10:00 PM
Classes begin: Tuesday 14 April, 2026

15 and under
Tuesdays — 5:30 PM to 7:30 PM
Classes begin: Thursday 16 April, 2026

Contact: 1-868-681-2245

Pamberi Steel Orchestra

Pamberi Youth Classes
Saturdays

Contact: Pamberi Steel Orchestra Social Media Pages

Achaiba’s House of Music
Learn Piano, Steelpan, Guitar, Drums

Location: Seukeran St, San Fernando

Contact: 1-868-462-0843 / 1-868-351-3004

Pan Dynamicx Beginner Steelpan Workshop

Registration currently open

Dates: April 18, 2026 - June 20, 2026
Time: Saturdays 1:30 PM – 2:30 PM

Contact: [email protected]

Lauderhill, Fl

Lauderhill Steel

All Ages

Contact: 1-702-423-6476

Kiari Mokos Entertainment is recruiting participants.

Location: Siparia, Trinidad & Tobago

Contact:
WhatsApp only — 1-868-799-3302

Location: Gasparillo Community Center

Cost:
Beginner — $200
Intermediate — $250
Advanced — $300

Classes begin: April 11, 2026

Contact:
Jahvin Neptune — 1-868-312-9570

A Grand Drum Workshop
Location: Siparia Community Center

Date: April 11, 2026
Time: 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM

Cost: Free

Contact:
1-868-315-7427
18680735-1592

Phoenix Steel Orchestra
Risen Odyssey Boatride

Date: April 11, 2026
Time: 2:00 PM
Location: Hart’s Cut, Chaguaramas

Cost: $250

St Francis of Assisi Belmont
Another Enchanted Evening featuring Massy Trinidad All Stars

Date: April 12, 2026
Time: 6:00 - 7:30 PM
Location: Queen’s Hall

Cost: $300 (Open Seating) / $400 (Reserved Seating)

ComPANions
All Fours & Karaoke

Date: April 17, 2026
Time: 7:30 PM
Location: Phase II Pan Groove Panyard

Cost: Free

Thank you for reading Culture Archives from I Am Living My Life.

If you know of a cultural event, steelpan program, or community initiative that should be featured in a future edition, feel free to reach out.

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