Preserving Jamaican traditions…While raising Children in America

Preserving Jamaican Traditions While Raising Children in America

Run-a-Boat, Family Stories, and Keeping the Culture Alive

There is a special kind of joy in raising Jamaican children, even here in America. But I’ll be honest — it takes intentional love to keep our traditions strong when we are so far from home.

We want our children to dream big in this country, but we also want them to know their roots. The sayings, the flavors, the music, the community spirit — these are things that shaped us growing up in Jamaica. Now it’s our turn to pass them on.

That’s why moments like Run-a-Boat — the annual event hosted by Jamaican Women of Florida every November — mean so much to us as families. It’s not just a day out. It’s a way to keep Jamaica alive in our children’s hearts.

Why Culture Matters — Especially Now

I often think back to my own childhood in Jamaica. It didn’t take a lot to make us happy. We played Dandy Shandy, Chinese Skip, Stucky, and Marbles in the street. We knew how to mix coconut milk for rice and peas. We could sing along to Bob Marley before we could write our names.

Our parents taught us respect, resilience, and pride. Our communities raised us — aunties, uncles, neighbors, church family. We carried Jamaica with us in everything we did.

Here in America, life moves fast. Our children face different influences. If we don’t actively bring the culture into their lives, they may grow up knowing little about where they come from. That’s why creating intentional family traditions is so important.

The Power of Run-a-Boat

When we gather for Run-a-Boat each year, it feels like stepping back into the best parts of home — right here in Florida.

The tradition of “run-a-boat” goes way back. In Jamaica, it simply meant friends and neighbors pooling together whatever they had to cook a meal. No big plan, no fancy table — just togetherness. Everyone contributed. Everyone ate. Everyone laughed.

Our modern Run-a-Boat event continues that same spirit.

At last year’s gathering, the air was full of music, laughter, and the smell of good food. There were:

- Big pots of fish tea, curry goat, oxtail, stew peas bubbling away

- Families sampling Jamaican treats and juices

- Vendors showcasing beautiful art, clothing, and crafts — reminding us of Jamaica’s creativity and pride

"Vendors at last year’s Run-a-Boat brought the spirit of Jamaica to life through art, photography, and cultural pride."

And just as important — there were children playing, laughing, soaking it all in.

At events like this, our children get to:

- Learn how to play Dandy Shandy and Chinese Skip

- Join in on ring games and sing Jamaican children’s songs

- Hear stories from elders about life “back home”

- Taste flavors that connect them to their ancestors

- Dance to reggae and soca with friends and family

"Young Jamaicans proudly representing their heritage at last year’s Run-a-Boat — keeping the culture alive through joy and community."

Bringing the Culture Home

Of course, culture isn’t something we teach in one day. It’s built over time — in everyday moments.

Here are simple ways we can preserve Jamaican traditions in our homes:

🏠 Cook together — let the kids help season meat, knead festival dough, or taste-test the rice and peas.

🎵 Music & Movement — play old-school reggae, ska, or folk songs. Teach them traditional dances.

🎮 Games Night — teach them Dandy Shandy, Stucky, Chinese Skip, and even Dominoes.

📚 Storytelling — share Anansi stories or your own childhood memories. Speak Patois when you can.

🎉 Celebrate Jamaican holidays — Independence Day, Emancipation Day, Heroes Day, Grand Market — dress in the colors and bring the vibe to your home.

Why It Matters

One day, our children will be grown. They’ll move through the world with confidence, knowing: “Mi is Jamaican, and mi proud.”

They’ll remember the flavors, the songs, the games, the love. They’ll remember events like Run-a-Boat, where they danced under the Florida sun and heard the stories of their people.

As parents, that’s the legacy we’re building — not just for our children, but for generations to come.

Join Us This Year

If you’ve never brought your family to Run-a-Boat, this is the year to do it! You’ll find love, laughter, good food, music — and a community that feels like home.

Together, we can continue preserving the beauty of Jamaica for our children — here in America, and wherever life may take them.

See you at Run-a-Boat! 🇯🇲✨

Stay Connected

Follow Jamaican Women of Florida for updates on this year’s Run-a-Boat and more family-friendly cultural events. Let’s keep building this beautiful legacy — together.