Saint Mary Google Map, Jamaica

Saint​‍​‌‍​‍‌ Mary is among the most serene and nature-loving areas of the northern part of Jamaica. It is essentially famous for its quiet beaches, green hills, and peaceful countryside. The region offers both travellers and residents the nice feeling of a home, where life is less hectic and a more relaxed style is practised. Saint Mary has a combination of small towns, farming communities, and coastal villages that exhibit the simple and friendly manner of the Jamaican way of life.

History

Saint​‍​‌‍​‍‌ Mary is the parish that contains the earliest known and fascinating history of Jamaica. It was commonly known as the land of the peaceful Taino people, the first people of the island, who lived in harmony with nature as they fished, farmed, and made pots along the rivers and coasts. The Tainos named the land after their gods and the elements of nature, leaving behind pieces of their culture, which today are artefacts and carvings found near the sea.

At the beginning of the 16th century, after Christopher Columbus had visited the island, the Spanish settlers took over the land, and many of the Tainos were forced to labour by the Spaniards who had control. Saint Mary was used mostly for cattle rearing and small farms during this time. The area under Spain was short-lived. In 1655, the English retook Jamaica from the Spanish; thus, Saint Mary was incorporated into the British colony.

The face of Saint Mary changed in no time when the British came into power. A number of large sugar estates and plantations were set up and the enslaved Africans had to work on them. The parish was converted into a major centre for the production of sugar, rum, and bananas. Most of the great houses that were constructed during this period, which are still standing, remind one of the hard work and the struggles of the folk during the plantation era.

In the 18th and 19th centuries, Saint Mary became a place where people got together against slavery after the parish had suffered the atrocities of slavery for a long time. Several enslaved people fled to the mountains; there, they formed groups called Maroon villages. For Maroons, the struggle was to live freely; hence, their bravery is still cherished as part of the Saint Marians' heritage. After the Emancipation Act of 1834, the freed population started new lives by working on small farms or as fishermen. Eventually, the parish became a quiet farming area and continued to develop gradually over ​‍​‌‍​‍‌time.

In the 20th century, Saint Mary was still growing and expanding its infrastructure but still managed to maintain its typical agrarian landscape. Streets and highways were laid, educational institutions were established, and small towns such as Port Maria became residential areas for trading. Besides that, the parish was a significant player in Jamaica’s movement to independence in 1962, as the majority of its inhabitants were actively involved in the freedom and progress movements.

Nowadays, St Mary's past is expressible through its historical churches, old plantations, and serene fishing villages. The people are so conscious of their history that they continue passing down their ancestors' stories, especially those that testify to their conviction, resilience, and trust in God. Each area of the parish is a reflection of its historical trip, from the early Tainos to the present day. Saint Mary's story is not only about the dates and events but also the people, who, with their hope, hard work, and indomitable spirit, which is still evident in their land and communities.

Culture

The​‍​‌‍​‍‌ culture of Saint Mary is a great blend of different things, with warm, colourful and lively elements being the most prominent ones. It is a mix of African, European, and local traditions that have influenced the parish over the years. The people of Saint Mary are characterised by being friendly, having strong community ties, and loving and respecting family and nature. The place reaches out to the world through music, food, festivals, and day to day living; that is how it keeps its cultural roots alive.

Music is life here, and it can't be without it. Reggae and mento are the most popular genres of music to be listened to, and many local musicians are playing in small towns and villages. It is very common during festivities to hear and see people drumming, singing, and dancing. The people are fond of songs as a way of storytelling, and this is one of the means they use for keeping their history and values. Also, the presence of church choirs and gospel groups in the community shows that faith and togetherness are very important to them.

Saint Mary's cultural life is also being enriched by festivals and events. The parish holds the celebration of Emancipation Day and Independence Day together with dancing, singing and music. Local fairs and community gatherings are a daily thing, and here, people exchange crafts, food, and tales. Those events unite all people, the young and the old, and remind them of their common past and the pride of their ​‍​‌‍​‍‌home.

Religion​‍​‌‍​‍‌ continues to be a major influence on people living in the community of Saint Mary. The major religion is Christianity, and it appears that the majority of people go to church regularly. Apart from worshipping, churches are also community centres where people meet, celebrate, and support each other. Church services are alive, and there is singing of joy and preaching of hope and unity.

The culture of Saint Mary is humble but very rich. It is based on love, respect and a strong sense of belonging. Every song, meal, and festival is a reflection of the people’s spirit. The culture of the parish is not only for seeing but it is for sensing through the warmth and the joy of the people and their ​lifestyle.

Language

English​‍​‌‍​‍‌ is the main language in Saint Mary, Jamaica, and it is the same all over the island. Yet, the majority of people are still speaking Jamaican Patois, a distinctive dialect which is a mixture of English and African and Creole influences.

In Saint Mary, Jamaica, language has not only been the means of communication but also deserves to be considered as a significant feature of the people's identity. Patois is primarily the language of daily conversations, songs, and stories. It has a certain musicality and some aspects of life that correspond to the local way of living.

Once in Saint Mary, you may come across both English and Patois in the marketplaces, schools, and streets. It is very common for people to go on with the conversation in one or the other without making a conscious decision. Although English is the language used in schools and formal settings, Patois is still the most common form of communication among friends.

Geography

Saint​‍​‌‍​‍‌ Mary is one of the most eye-catching parishes that is famous for its green hills, clear rivers, and extended coastline. It is located on the north side of the island and is neighbouring Portland, Saint Ann, and Saint Catherine. The parish has both beach areas and valleys that are inland and thus has a combination of nature which allows it to be different from other places. The weather is generally warm throughout the year, and thus, there is a lot of sun and rain that keeps the land fresh and fertile.

The coast of Saint Mary has small fishing villages, sandy beaches, and bays, which are surrounded by rocks. Port Maria and Annotto Bay are some of the places where people come for the beach and seashore experience. On the north side is the Caribbean Sea, which adds more to the beauty of the parish. The quiet blue water is best for fishing and boating, and beaches are loaded with those who are attracted by the quiet atmosphere. Apart from the coast being the major source of income for the local people, fishing is, among others, the main occupation, which is responsible for the majority of household income.

The countryside of Saint Mary is packed with hills and valleys, which are covered by green plants. The area is also rich in land that can provide good yields. There are farmers who produce bananas, coconuts, sugarcane, and yams in large amounts. The parish is widely recognised for its rich soil, which has been the basis of Jamaican agriculture for a long time now. There are small rivers and streams, which flow through the hills, and they help the crops to grow as well as making the rural area more ​‍​‌‍​‍‌attractive.

One of the most well-known rivers is the White River, which flows through several parts of the parish on its way to the sea. Besides being a source of irrigation for farming, the river is also a place where tourists come for rafting and swimming. The river becomes a perfect relaxing place for the people, as it is surrounded by the sound of the flowing river and the cool breeze.

The combination of coastlines, rivers, and farmlands gives a stunning view. It is a place where nature is a major part of the people’s lifestyle. The people of Saint Mary are living close to the land, which they take care of and, at the same time, depend on for food and livelihood. The natural beauty of the parish, fresh air, and fertile land make it a really great part of the ​‍​‌‍​‍‌island.

FAQs