Bob Marley Week

Name: Bob Marley Week
Start: 2025-02-02
End: 2025-02-08
Location: Bob Marley Museum

A Week Celebrating the King of Reggae in the Heart of Jamaica

2026/02/01 - 2026/02/27

Every February, the lively streets of Kingston and the lush hills of St. Ann are filled with the energy and spirit of “Bob Marley Week.” For one week, reggae rhythms echo across the island, the aroma of Ital food drifts through the air, and fans from around the world unite in a “One Love” atmosphere. Whether you’re a lifelong Marley admirer or want to experience Jamaica’s culture firsthand, this is a special festival where you can truly encounter the soul of reggae.

Bob Marley Week is held annually around Marley’s birthday on February 6, with main events at the Bob Marley Museum in Kingston and Nine Mile, his birthplace in St. Ann. The festival welcomes everyone—locals and travelers of all ages and nationalities—to experience the power of music and community.

Main Attractions

Tribute Concerts & Live Performances

The heart of Bob Marley Week is the tribute concerts, where Marley’s children, reggae legends, and emerging artists perform his classic songs. All-night jam sessions take place on the museum’s special stage, and you’ll find street performances and acoustic sets throughout Kingston. Singing along to anthems like “One Love” and “Redemption Song” under the Caribbean sky brings a sense of unity to all.

Key Events

Major events include the official birthday ceremony at the museum, a wreath-laying at Marley’s tomb in Nine Mile, school visits, and community charity activities. There are also film screenings, poetry readings, and panel discussions that dig deep into Marley’s message and the history of reggae. The “Reggae Jammin’ Street Fair” is also a hit, with local crafts, food stalls, and drumming workshops lining the streets.

Costumes and Decorations

Participants express themselves with Rastafarian colors (red, gold, and green), Bob Marley T-shirts, beaded accessories, and headwraps. Venues are decorated with murals, flags, and banners featuring Marley’s face and lyrics. The feel of handwoven bracelets, the scent of incense, and the sight of dreadlocks swaying to the beat stimulate all the senses.

Cultural and Historical Background

Bob Marley Week began as a grassroots tribute event in the 1980s. Born in 1945 in Nine Mile, St. Ann, Marley became a global icon of reggae and Rastafari culture. His music and messages of “One Love,” peace, and resistance are still loved around the world.

This festival is more than just a birthday celebration—it’s a week to reaffirm Marley’s social and cultural influence, and the pride and identity of the Jamaican people. It’s a time to pass on his spirit to the next generation and to share hope and activism through music.

Fun Facts

Over 10,000 people visit Kingston and St. Ann every year for Bob Marley Week.
The Bob Marley Museum is located at 56 Hope Road, Kingston, which was his former home and studio.