The Rasta
Village (or Rastafarian Indigenous Village) is a unique way to experience life
of the followers of Rastafari. The village is home to a community of
Rastafarians and is open for guided tours.
The tours
begin in the Tropical Gardens on the Montego River, just outside of Montego
Bay. You will be lead from here through a shallow river into the village. As
you approach you'll hear the drumming and chanting getting louder.
On the tour
you'll be told about Rastafarian life including the principles of living in
harmony with nature and the role of Haile Selassie. The chef then gives a tour
of the village kitchen, showing the vegetables, herbs and spices used in
Rastafarian cooking, showing the nutritional and culinary importance of each
ingredient.
You will
also be given a tour of the village herb library where your guide will explain
the medicinal properties of the many herbs grown there and, in some cases,
those which scientists are beginning to investigate for their use in scientific
remedies.
The village
also has a meditative labyrinth you can walk around and engage in your own
private contemplation.
The tour
ends on a musical note with a traditional drum and chanting session in the
centre of the village. Herbal tea and fresh fruits are served to you whilst you
listen. You may even be invited to join the drummers at the end of the session.
Traditional
jewelry, clothing and herbal remedies are made and sold in the village.
The
Rastafarian Indigenous Village was established in December 2008 by three of the
residents - IION Kanaka, First Man and Ileen IION. The village is growing, with
an amphitheatre and residential huts built and Rastafarian followers from other
settlements are due to join the community in the future.
