Kingston Pirates Week Positioned to Bring Cultural and Economic Revival

The historic town of Port Royal has officially been inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List, marking a monumental moment for Jamaica’s cultural and archaeological legacy. 

The decision was confirmed during the 47th session of the UNESCO World Heritage Committee held in Paris on July 12. Considering this landmark designation, Kingston Pirates Week, a new heritage-based cultural festival scheduled from October 30 to November 2, 2025, is uniquely positioned to support the renewed global focus on Port Royal. 

Conceptualised as a transformative cultural tourism initiative, Kingston Pirates Week blends history, entertainment, and community engagement to celebrate Jamaica’s maritime legacy while creating meaningful economic and educational opportunities. Executive Producer of Kingston Pirates Week, Peter Shoucair, JP, remarked: “Port Royal’s UNESCO status is not just an accolade—it is a call to action. It reinforces the value of what we have long known: that our heritage is world-class and must be actively celebrated and protected. Kingston Pirates Week will activate Port Royal’s potential by transforming it into a living stage where the past meets present through immersive storytelling, cultural expression, and inclusive tourism.”

The week of events will feature heritage tours, pirate reenactments, sound system tributes, a seafood and cultural festival, educational forums, and community-based environmental initiatives. The festival also offers curated experiences at the Port Royal Museum, the Giddy House, and Fort Charles, creating powerful links between historical education and visitor engagement.

The festival’s long-term vision aligns closely with UNESCO’s goals of sustainable heritage management. By partnering with local stakeholders, cultural institutions, and government bodies, including the Ministry of Tourism, the Jamaica Tourist Board, TPDCo, and the Tourism Enhancement Fund, Kingston Pirates Week aims to foster inclusive economic growth, encourage cultural pride, and position Jamaica as a leader in heritage-based tourism in the Caribbean.

As Port Royal steps into the global spotlight, the event series will serve as a timely platform to enhance its visibility, build public awareness, and deliver on the promise of cultural preservation, economic revitalisation, and community transformation. The schedule of events includes: 

• October 30 – November 2 -Port Royal Dining Experience
• October 30 – Riddims & Rum A Pirate Merritione Fete
• October 31 – Port Royal Street Dance
• November 1 – Pirates Ride Jamaica
• November 1 – Pirates & Wenches 4 D Edition
• November 2 – Kingston City Run: Pirates Run Di City
• November 2 – Pirates Beach Clean Up
• November 2- Port Royal Pirates & Seafood Festival