Rastafari Indigenous Village is a living cultural center that offers you an opportunity to experience the Rastafari way of life. Whether you choose a half or full-day tour, you'll have the unique opportunity to connect with Rastafarians and learn more about their culture and values.
You'll be introduced to drum makers who create traditional drums by hand, using techniques that have been passed down through generations. You can tour an organic vegetable and herb garden and learn more about why the Rastafari choose to follow a vegan diet, and what are its benefits. You can then have a meal with the Rastafari, and taste for yourself.
A small store offers traditional handicrafts and jewelry. The tour concludes with a performance of traditional drumming and singing in the center of the village.
- Rastafari Rythms Our Rastafari Rhythms tour is the best way to start your relationship with RIV. It is an intimate 3 hour introduction to the traditional Rastafari way of life. Visit with village artisans, gardeners, healers, musicians, storytellers and chefs as they practice their traditional crafts. Learn how to heal whatever ails you with plants from the garden.
Explore our medicinal herb garden; learn how to heal yourself with plants. Pick your own ackee and callaloo, and then cook it with traditional recipes over our open fire. Pound your own cacao and make chocolate tea. Listen to authentic Nyabinghi drumming and chanting, and learn why Rastafari considers cannabis to be a sacrament. Tour groups are limited to 6 people, and are available only on specified days/times.
- Special Interest Our Special Interest tours are most popular with visitors who have already experienced our Rastafari Rhythms Tour, and want to return to learn more about a specific area of village life. These areas include traditional drum making; Rastafari food science and Ital cuisine; mural painting, soap making; drumming and chanting; healing with plants; and Rastafari history.
Each tour is custom designed and custom priced to meet the specific interest of the visitor or visitors. Special Interest Tour groups are limited to one or two people, with some exceptions possible for pre-formed groups.
- Palace Garden and Museum This 3 ½ hour experience includes a walk through our traditional, regenerative garden full of delicious food— and cannabis. Learn about the history of the plant as a sacrament. Swing on the hammock chairs in our garden screen house; learn about traditional Rastafari consumption methods; listen to our audio history of reggae music; immerse yourself in the natural mystic of the sacred herb; enjoy a smoothie.
If you love cannabis, this is your spot in Montego Bay.