My local take
Accompong is not an attraction in the usual sense. It is a living community, the home of the Accompong Maroons, descendants of Africans who freed themselves from slavery and fought the British from the hills until a peace treaty recognized their freedom and their land. The town is named after Accompong, one of the Maroon leaders and a brother of Kojo (Cudjoe, the spelling most Jamaicans know), whose forces forced the British to the table. Their sister was Nanny, Jamaica’s only National Heroine. The community runs its own affairs through its Maroon Council, led by a chief, and many Maroons hold strongly to their sovereignty under the treaty. That is a live question between the community and the Government of Jamaica, and it is worth understanding before you go: you are a guest on Maroon land.
The big day is January 6, when Accompong marks the treaty and Kojo’s birthday. My take: if you care about Jamaican history, this is one of the most meaningful days on the island’s calendar, and far more rewarding than another beach day. Come with respect, and don’t treat the ceremonies as a show put on for you.
Accompong pairs well with the rest of inland St Elizabeth: the Appleton Estate rum tour in the Nassau Valley below, and a swim at YS Falls. For the history behind it, read my short history of Jamaica, and for the wider area see my South Coast guide.
How to get there
Accompong sits high in the Cockpit Country hills of northern St Elizabeth, above the Nassau Valley where Appleton Estate is. The last stretch is a narrow, winding country road up into the hills. From Montego Bay, allow roughly two hours each way; from Negril or Treasure Beach, plan on roughly an hour and a half to two hours. Those are estimates, not timed routes, and the hill roads can be rough, so leave extra time.
On January 6, traffic on the single road up can back up for a long way. Leave early in the morning and be ready to park and walk the last part.
Without a car: There is no simple public transport up to Accompong. Hire a licensed JUTA taxi or a driver for the day from Montego Bay, Negril or Treasure Beach, and agree the round-trip fare and waiting time before you leave.
What to expect
The January 6 celebration. The Jamaica Information Service describes the day as the anniversary of the peace treaty with the British, signed in 1739 (you will also see 1738, from the old calendar), and the birthday of Kojo. Government reports of past years describe the ceremonial march to the Kindah tree, the blowing of the abeng, the Maroon war drums, traditional dancing and singing, a feast and speeches. JIS reports have described thousands of people turning out. The Culture Ministry calls it the largest and most important commemorative event of the Accompong Town Maroons. Some rituals are for the Maroons themselves, so follow what your hosts tell you about where visitors can go.
The town today. Accompong is rebuilding after Hurricane Melissa hit it very hard on October 28, 2025. The community’s leader, Richard Currie, told the Jamaica Observer that about 80 percent of homes were uninhabitable, and the roof of the Accompong Maroons Museum and Community Centre was torn off. Rebuilding is under way through the Maroon Council and its partners, with government roof repairs reported in January 2026. The Maroon Council still held the celebration on January 6, 2026, in the rain, with the Prime Minister among the speakers, according to his published remarks. I could not confirm whether the museum has reopened.
Other times of year. Outside January 6 there is no visitor center with set hours. Visits to the town, the museum and sites such as the Kindah tree are arranged with the community, so go with a driver or guide who has contacts there and let them make the arrangements.
Local tips
Ask before you photograph people, elders or ceremonies. A friendly question goes a long way here, and sometimes the answer will be no.
Bring cash in Jamaican dollars for food, crafts and any donation or guide fee; there are no card machines to count on in the hills.
Spend your money in the community. Buying a plate of food or a craft from a Maroon vendor puts your money straight into the community.
Wear shoes you can walk in on hilly, uneven ground, and bring rain gear in January.
Combine it with Appleton Estate or YS Falls on another day, not on January 6, when the celebration needs the whole day.
Before you go
- The town is still rebuilding, so don’t expect full visitor facilities.
- The celebration’s program is set by the Accompong Maroon Council. I found no published program for the next January 6 when I checked, so look for the council’s own announcements and JIS reports closer to the date.
- On January 6 the crowds are large, and toilets and parking are basic.
Free trip checklist
Planning a trip here?
Get my printable Jamaica trip checklist, then local guides to South Coast.
Your checklist is ready
Download it below, then print it or tick the boxes on screen.
Questions people ask
When is the Accompong Maroon festival?
Every year on January 6. The Accompong Maroons mark the anniversary of their peace treaty with the British and the birthday of Kojo (Cudjoe) on that date, according to the Jamaica Information Service and the Culture Ministry. The program is set by the Accompong Maroon Council, so check its announcements closer to the day.
Is the Accompong celebration still held?
Yes. The Maroon Council held the celebration on January 6, 2026, and the Prime Minister spoke there, according to his published remarks and the Jamaica Observer.
Who are the Accompong Maroons?
They are descendants of Africans who escaped slavery and built free communities in the Cockpit Country hills. After years of war, their leader Kojo signed a peace treaty with the British that recognized their freedom and land. The Jamaica Information Service has described Accompong as the largest of Jamaica’s Maroon settlements.
Can visitors go to Accompong outside January 6?
Yes, but there is no visitor center with set hours, and the town is still rebuilding. Go with a driver or guide who can arrange the visit with the community, and ask whether the museum is open.
How do I get to Accompong from Montego Bay?
By car, taxi or tour. Allow roughly two hours each way on country roads into the hills of northern St Elizabeth, more on January 6, when traffic backs up.
Sources & updates
- JIS: Maroon Festival held in Accompong Town (held each January 6 for the treaty and Cudjoe's birthday; march to the Kindah tree) · checked
- JIS: Accompong Maroons hailed for retaining African traditions (1739 treaty; marching, abeng, drums, dancing, cooking; thousands attend) · checked
- JIS: Accompong Maroons continue traditional celebrations (Kojo's birthday; Accompong, Nanny and the Maroon leaders) · checked
- Ministry of Culture, Gender, Entertainment and Sport: January 6 as the largest commemorative event of the Accompong Town Maroons; Kojo spelling · checked
- Office of the Prime Minister: remarks at the Accompong Town Maroon Anniversary Celebration (celebration held after the hurricane, crowd in the rain) · checked
- Jamaica Observer: Gov't to rehabilitate community infrastructure in Accompong (Jan 8, 2026; celebration held Tuesday, Jan 6; roof repairs) · checked
- Jamaica Observer: 'I thought Accompong was going to be wiped off the map' (Nov 9, 2025; 80 percent of homes uninhabitable; museum roof torn off) · checked
- Jamaica Observer: Roofless but resolute in Accompong (Nov 8, 2025; school and housing damage) · checked
- The Gleaner: Accompong Maroons reject JDF in Hurricane Melissa recovery (Dec 4, 2025; Maroon Council, 260 houses, recovery partners) · checked
Update log
- — New guide; status after Hurricane Melissa and the January 6 celebration checked with government sources and Jamaican media.
- — Removed repeated advice
- — Trimmed hurricane references to where they change the advice
Spotted something out of date? Tell me and I’ll check it.