The Calabash Worldwide Literary Competition, held within the rustic seaside village of Treasure Seashore, has been named one of many world’s seven greatest e-book festivals by Nationwide Geographic. This honor locations Jamaica alongside literary powerhouses like India’s Jaipur Literature Competition and the Hay Competition in Wales. For a competition rooted in Jamaican tradition and neighborhood spirit, this recognition underscores its rising world affect within the literary world.
Roots in Jamaica, Branches to the World
Based in 2001 by Jamaican creatives Kwame Dawes, Colin Channer and Justine Henzell, Calabash started with a easy but highly effective mission: to create a world-class literary competition grounded in Jamaican tradition. Over twenty years later, the occasion continues to satisfy that promise. Now held biennially in odd-numbered years, the competition brings collectively writers, poets, musicians, and storytellers from across the globe.
The competition’s setting—Treasure Seashore on Jamaica’s south coast—provides a novel attraction. Its laid-back, pure environment gives a refreshing distinction to city literary occasions. The venue, Jake’s Resort, blends inventive power with Caribbean hospitality, making it an ideal host for the three-day celebration.
A Competition of Phrases, Music, and Connection
What units Calabash aside is its mix of literature and efficiency. Attendees are handled to a variety of storytelling kinds—readings, music, spoken phrase, and panel discussions—making the competition accessible and interesting to individuals from all walks of life. Previous individuals embrace a few of the most celebrated names in world literature and leisure, drawing crowds of passionate readers and curious vacationers alike.
Regardless of challenges just like the COVID-19 pandemic and the influence of Hurricane Beryl, the competition stays a beacon of resilience. Its Might 2025 return demonstrated simply how deeply it’s rooted in the neighborhood and the way a lot it means to literary lovers worldwide.
Why Calabash Issues
The Calabash Literary Competition is greater than an occasion—it’s a motion. It celebrates freedom of expression, the facility of storytelling, and the significance of neighborhood. It provides a platform to voices that usually go unheard and reminds the world that compelling tales can come from even the smallest corners of the globe.
Being included in Nationwide Geographic’s list of the very best e-book festivals worldwide is a testomony to Calabash’s influence. It alerts that the literary world is listening to Jamaica—not only for its seashores and music, however for its mental and cultural contributions.
Different Prime Guide Festivals Featured by Nationwide Geographic
Along with Calabash, six different festivals had been acknowledged as among the many greatest on this planet:
- Martha’s Winery Guide Competition – Massachusetts, USA
- Jaipur Literature Competition – India
- Brooklyn Guide Competition – New York, USA
- Hay Competition of Literature & Arts – Wales, UK
- Worldwide Literary Competition Berlin – Germany
- Tennessee Williams & New Orleans Literary Competition – New Orleans, USA
Pictures – Kevin Thomas, Calabash
