Calling all Jerks: Jamaican Jerk Festival is Back

Laine Doss

Jerks come in many forms.

Who doesn't love a good jerk?  In case you haven't caught on, we're actually not talking about political candidates or even that uncle that shows up drunk at family gatherings. We're talking the jerk that refers to spicy chicken, pork, and fish with roots in the Caribbean, especially Jamaica. Traditionally, jerk meats are cooked on pimento wood, using allspice and Scotch bonnet peppers.


The 11th annual Grace Jamaican Jerk Festival returns to Markham Park on Sunday, November 11th from 10 a.m. - 10 p.m., with dozens of vendors offering everything in the way of jerk -- from chicken to lobster to ice cream. 

In addition to lots of spicy things to eat, the festival has a kid's area, interactive cooking demonstrations and, of course, the Jamaican Jerk cooking competition (we like to call it the great south Florida jerk-off).

Of course, music is also a large part of Jamaican culture, and the festival has a great roster of musicians from DJ's to gospel acts to headliners Byron Lee's Dragonaires. 

Festival tickets are $20 in advance for adults and children 10 and up (kids under 10 are admitted free), $25 at the gate and can be purchased online or by calling (786) 361-1103. VIP tickets are $75 for adults, $40 for kids 12 and under, and includes priority entry and parking, two alcoholic drinks (21 and over), a Caribbean meal, front of stage viewing area for concerts, a gift bag, and unlimited juice bar.

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