Sumfest began in 1992 and has grown into one of the most important events on Jamaica's calendar. Artists travel from Jamaica and from many other countries to perform on its main stage. For fans of Jamaican music, attending Sumfest is a dream come true.
Montego Bay, where the festival is held, is on Jamaica's north coast. The festival is set near the beach, so the night breeze from the Caribbean Sea keeps the huge crowd comfortable even when the dancing gets energetic.
The festival usually runs over several nights, with different nights dedicated to different styles. Reggae Night celebrates the classic roots music that made Jamaica famous, while Dancehall Night features the more modern, fast-paced style that younger Jamaican artists have developed.
For local vendors, Sumfest is also a huge celebration of Jamaican food. Stalls selling jerk chicken, festival, patties, and fresh coconut water line the festival grounds. The smells of cooking and the sounds of music mix together in a way that feels very Jamaica.