Treasure Beach is open for the weekend, and this one means more than a festival.

The Food, Rum and Reggae Festival returns to Treasure Beach in St Elizabeth from Friday, November 6 to Sunday, November 8, for its third staging, according to the festival’s official programme. Last year, Hurricane Melissa disrupted the parish and the full festival could not run. Organisers staged a one day benefit concert instead, and fulfilled a commitment of J$1 million to Jamaica’s Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Mining to assist affected farmers, according to Travel and Tour World.

This weekend, the full three day programme is back.

How the Weekend Runs

Friday opens with Dubwise at Jack Sprat, a sound system celebration to start the weekend. Saturday is Festival Day at BREDS Sports Park, with the Artisan Village, Farmers Market and Food Court alongside the main stage. Sunday closes with the 7/11 Beach Party at Jack Sprat, according to the festival’s official site.

Protoje, a St Elizabeth native, headlines Saturday night alongside Lila Iké. For Protoje, this is a homecoming set in his own parish, on a weekend built to put money back into local hands: farmers, fishers, chefs, artisans and small businesses selling directly to visitors.

The Numbers Worth Knowing

General admission is J$18,000 for access to all three events, with food and drink available for purchase. VIP is J$25,000 with food included on Festival Day, and VVIP is J$30,000 with food and drinks included on Festival Day, according to the festival’s official site.

The festival is backed by partners including the Jamaica Tourist Board, according to Kaboom Magazine. Treasure Beach has always sold a quieter, community first kind of tourism, and this weekend is that model at full size.

One year after Melissa, St Elizabeth is not just rebuilding. It is hosting.

Nation, who is reaching Treasure Beach this weekend, and what is the first plate you are ordering when you get there?