Meaning
The first of August — the Jamaican public holiday marking the abolition of slavery in the British Caribbean in 1834 (full freedom came in 1838). It is observed with reflection, celebration, and cultural events, and leads into Independence Day on 6 August.
Examples
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Emancipation Day remind wi seh freedom neva come easy.
Emancipation Day reminds us that freedom didn't come easily.
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Dem keep a big cultural show pon Emancipation Day.
They held a big cultural show on Emancipation Day.
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Emancipation an Independence come one after di odda inna August.
Emancipation and Independence come one after the other in August.
Origin
Marks the 1 August 1834 start of emancipation from slavery in the British Empire; the 'Emancipation Declaration' was read from the steps of old churches across Jamaica.
How it’s used
A solemn and celebratory national holiday; part of 'Emancipendence' season with Independence Day.