JAMAICA TOURIST BOARD ENCOURAGES TORONTONIANS TO CELEBRATE ‘PATTY DAY’ ON FEBRUARY 23, 2021.
February 22, 2021 | Jessica Napier |
The Jamaica Tourist Board (JTB) is encouraging Toronto-area foodies to enjoy a delicious snack from their favourite Jamaican patty vendor on Tuesday, February 23 in honour of the 36th Patty Day. The annual food holiday recognizes a unique part of Toronto’s history while acknowledging the important contributions the Jamaican community has made on the city’s cultural landscape.
As one of the world’s most multicultural cities, Toronto is renowned for its diverse culinary offerings and ethnic cuisines. The city has a particularly interesting history with the humble Jamaican patty dating back more than three decades. In February 1985, the infamous ‘Patty Wars’ took over the city when city’s food inspectors told several local Jamaican patty vendors that they could no longer use the term “beef patties”. Negotiations were held and the patty vendors eventually prevailed. To commemorate the peaceful resolution of this delicious dispute, February 23 has been henceforth known in Toronto as Patty Day.
“The people of Toronto are very passionate about this staple Jamaican snack food; everyone has an opinion about who makes the best beef patty in town,” said Angella Bennett, Regional Director – Canada, Jamaica Tourist Board. “While we aren’t able to travel to Jamaica right now, we encourage everyone to celebrate Patty Day on February 23 and savour a taste of the island here at home.”
Toronto Mayor John Tory also shared a special letter with the JTB and Toronto’s Jamaican community acknowledging the importance of Patty Day. “It is a fun way to celebrate one of the unique flavours of Jamaica and provides a way to enjoy the savoury and flaky treat that has earned its way into the hearts of many,” the letter reads.
From savoury meat patties and juicy jerk to spicy peppered shrimp and rich oxtail stew, Jamaica’s vibrant culinary heritage makes the tropical destination a must-visit spot for foodies. To learn more about Jamaican cuisine, visit visitjamaica.com/feel-the-
About Jamaica Tourist Board
The Jamaica Tourist Board (JTB), founded in 1955, is Jamaica’s national tourism agency based in the capital city of Kingston. JTB offices are also located in Montego Bay, Miami, Toronto and London. Representative offices are located in Berlin, Barcelona, Rome, Amsterdam, Mumbai, Tokyo and Paris.
Last year, the JTB was declared the Caribbean’s Leading Tourist Board by the World Travel Awards (WTA) for the thirteenth consecutive year and Jamaica was named the Caribbean’s Leading Destination for the fifteenth consecutive year as well as the Caribbean’s Best Spa Destination and the Caribbean’s Best MICE Destination. As well, Jamaica copped the WTA’s World’s Leading Wedding Destination, the World’s Leading Cruise Destination and the World’s Leading Family Destination. Additionally, Jamaica was awarded three gold 2020 Travvy Awards for Best Culinary Destination, Caribbean/ Bahamas; Best Tourism Board Overall and Best Tourism Board, Caribbean/ Bahamas. The Pacific Area Travel Writers Association (PATWA) named Jamaica the 2020 Destination of the Year for Sustainable Tourism. In 2019, TripAdvisor® ranked Jamaica as the #1 Caribbean Destination and #14 Best Destination in the World. Jamaica is home to some of the world’s best accommodations, attractions and service providers that continue to receive prominent global recognition.
Jessica Napier is a representitive with Fever Pitch Marketing.
