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31 July, 2012

Emancipation Day in Jamaica August 1



Tomorrow marks a day in Jamaica, which is observed as one of the greatest day in its nation. Emancipation Day is celebrated in many former British colonies in the Caribbean and on various dates in observance of the emancipation of slaves of African origin. Once a Spanish Colony back in 1655, It achieved its Independence from the British In August 6, 1962. After hundreds of years rule under the British, which blacks where brought from Africa to work on sugar plantations in the Carribean. On the night of  July 31, 1838,  Queen Victoria had sent out a royal decree declaring that as of midnight August 1, 1838 all slaves in her kingdom are free people. Thousands of slaves have gathered in town centers and in special church meetings. The Emancipation Proclamation is publicly read again at midnight.  Thousands climbed upon hilltops; many have climbed to the tops of trees to greet the dawn of their first day of freedom. The drumbeats, horn blowing, dancing and revelries carry on until the sun rises upon the dawn of their first day of freedom. But the abolishment of slavery didn't necessarily mean Jamaicans where free, it just meant they had  the right to move as they wish, the right to choose where and when they wished to work, but without basic education and training, many were compelled to remain on the plantation as field hands and tenants-at-will under conditions determined by the landlord, and for wages set by him. But, the forms slaves were just glad to be free. Emancipation Day is celebrated across the island with all-night vigils being held on the eve of Emancipation Day. These are conducted in churches and town squares throughout the island. At midnight there is drumming, pealing of bells, with celebrations continuing into the dawn of the First of August.