Market Day in Kingston

The Johnson family’s adventure continued with a trip to Kingston’s famous Coronation Market—a place their grandmother had often described as “the heartbeat of Jamaica.” They set out early, the morning sun already casting golden light over the city, and arrived to find the streets alive with sound, color, and energy.

A Symphony of Sights and Sounds

The moment they entered the market, they were enveloped by the rhythm of daily life. Vendors called out their prices in cheerful sing-song tones, customers bargained with laughter, and the smell of ripe fruit mingled with the spice of Scotch bonnet peppers. Piles of produce stretched as far as the eye could see—mountains of bananas, heaps of yam and cassava, baskets of gleaming mangoes, and bundles of callaloo tied neatly with string.

“This is Jamaica’s pantry,” their uncle explained. “If you want to see the island’s soul, come to Coronation Market.”

Discovering Jamaica’s Treasures

Maya’s eyes widened at the sight of ackee, Jamaica’s national fruit, its red pods bursting open to reveal golden flesh and shiny black seeds. Her brother pointed excitedly at the round, spiky breadfruit stacked high beside a vendor. Their mother held up a bag of ginger, inhaling its spicy fragrance, while their father marveled at the piles of cacao pods—bright yellow on the outside, promising chocolate within.

“Everything here grows in our soil,” their grandmother said proudly. “This land feeds us, and it is a gift we must treasure.”

The Rhythm of Market Life

As they moved through the crowded aisles, they realized the market was more than a place to shop—it was a community. Neighbors greeted each other warmly, news was exchanged between haggles, and laughter bubbled through every corner. A group of drummers set up near the entrance, their beats echoing through the stalls, adding music to the already vibrant atmosphere.

The Johnson children tried roasted peanuts from one vendor, fresh sugar cane from another, and ended with cups of cool coconut water, straight from the shell.

Lessons in Resilience and Joy

Their grandmother reminded them that Coronation Market had stood for centuries as a gathering place for farmers and traders from across Jamaica. Even through hurricanes, economic struggles, and times of hardship, the market always returned—full of life, resilience, and joy.

“This is the rhythm of Jamaica,” she said, as they left with baskets full of fresh produce. “Hard work, laughter, community, and flavor.”

A Market to Remember

That night, the family cooked together using their treasures from the market—ackee and saltfish, roasted breadfruit, and a fiery pepper sauce. As they sat down to eat, they realized that they had carried home not just food, but the spirit of Kingston’s people: resourceful, joyful, and full of pride.

For the Johnsons, Coronation Market was more than an excursion—it was a glimpse into the daily heartbeat of Jamaica.

Return to --> Come to Jamaica Blog Articles