RASTAFARI INDIGENOUS VILLAGE

The Rastafari Indigenous Village has existed since 2007, but the price has risen from US$25 to US$150 per visit! It's become an American-style "tourist trap", not at all authentic, with folklore on display for groups disembarking from all-inclusive resorts and cruise ships. Perhaps the influx of tourists has wearied the community, who understandably want fewer visitors and more financial benefits. Instead, we recommend the more authentic Rasta community of the Blue Mountains above Kingston (US$20 per visit).

Here, the community came into being through a generous sharing of land by an open-minded neighbor. The tour familiarizes you with Rastafari precepts. This movement is based on the principles of the Ethiopian Orthodox Church and identifies the last Emperor of Ethiopia, Haile Selassie, as the Negus, King of Kings, Lord of Lords, Lion of the Tribe of Judas. The welcome is warm and the lesson in life is astonishing. Philosophy, lifestyle, education, culture, music, ganja- after a brief history, your guide will explain their culture to you, taking you on a tour of the village punctuated by demonstrations for the tourists. You'll also discover the basics of i-tal cooking, Rasta's vegetarian cuisine. You'll finish with a moment of musical sharing where you won't just be a spectator (here again, it's American-styleentertainment ). Community handicraft souvenir store.