Jamaica celebrates its Expo 2020 Dubai national day in style

The Caribbean country brought a carnival atmosphere to the world's fair

Young visitor Jhaequan Stewart shows his Jamaica stamp at the Jamaica pavilion at Expo 2020 Dubai. Victor Besa / The National

A statue of sprinting legend Usain Bolt at the Jamaica pavilion. Victor Besa / The National

Visitors to Jamaica's pavilion can learn about the country’s famous Blue Mountain coffee. Victor Besa / The National

A visitor at the Jamaica pavilion. The Caribbean island celebrates its nation day at the Expo on Friday, February 18. Victor Besa / The National

The Jamaica pavilion showcases the spirit of a spontaneous street party, allowing Expo visitors to feel the 'riddim' that moves and connects the world, say organisers. Victor Besa / The National

Situated in the Mobility District, the shipping container-shaped Jamaica Pavilion showcases the country's rich culture. Victor Besa / The National

This includes a celebration of Jamaica's iconic musicians, artists and producers. Victor Besa / The National

Chef Wenford Simpson serves up delicious Jamaican dishes, including ackee and saltfish and jerk chicken, for the country's national day at Expo 2020. Victor Besa / The National

Signature ingredients, Jamaican jerk seasoning and ackee fruit. Victor Besa / The National

The Music Studio celebrates Jamaica's rich musical heritage. Victor Besa / The National

Artwork inspired by Jamaica's annual international reggae poster competition. Victor Besa / The National

Reem Al Hashimy, Minister of State for International Co-operation and managing director for Expo 2020, Jamaican Minister of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade Kamina Johnson Smith, left, and Najeeb Mohammed Al Ali, executive director, Commissioner General Office, Expo 2020, are given a tour of the Jamaica pavilion. Expo 2020 Dubai

A dancer takes part in Jamaica's country day ceremony at Al Wasl Plaza, at the world's fair. Expo 2020 Dubai

A group representing different cultural areas in Jamaica perform at Al Wasl Plaza, taking visitors on a journey of the island’s rich musical heritage through dance. Expo 2020 Dubai

Reem Al Hashimy, Minister of State for International Co-operation and managing director for Expo 2020, and Jamaican Minister of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade Kamina Johnson-Smith are given a tour of the Jamaica pavilion. Expo 2020 Dubai

Celebrating Jamaica national day at Al Wasl Dome, at Expo 2020 Dubai. Victor Besa / The National

Getting a selfie at Jamaica national day celebrations at Al Wasl Dome. Victor Besa / The National

Dancers celebrate Jamaica national day at Al Wasl Dome. Victor Besa / The National

A high-flying dancer at Jamaica national day at Expo 2020 Dubai. Victor Besa / The National

A performer at Jamaica national day celebrations at Al Wasl Dome, Expo 2020 Dubai. Victor Besa / The National

Visitors flying the flag for Jamaica national day at Al Wasl Dome, Expo 2020 Dubai. Victor Besa / The National

A slice of Caribbean culture brought Expo 2020 Dubai to life on Friday as Jamaica celebrated its national day at the event.

Jubilant Jamaicans created a carnival atmosphere at the world's fair with a packed programme of festivities paying tribute to the nation's history, customs and cuisine.

Crowds proudly waved the Jamaican flag and enjoyed dazzling dance shows and reggae beats as a street party took over the sprawling site.

They also relished the chance to sample delicious dishes showcasing the best cuisine of the country as organisers cooked up a day to savour.

Visitors enjoyed the opportunity to tour the impressive Jamaican pavilion — found in the Mobility District — which tells the rich story of the island nation.

The pavilion honours notable figures in Jamaica's history, including a statue of sprinting star Usain Bolt.

Each of the 192 countries taking part in Expo 2020 Dubai is given their own national day, which provides an additional platform to share their heritage with the world.

More than 13 million visits have already been made to Expo, which opened its doors on October 1.

Those unable to attend in person have connected with the event virtually.

Online visitor numbers had already topped 121 million ahead of a hotly-anticipated performance by British band Coldplay on Tuesday.

The Expo will run until March 31.