The Jamaica Tourist Board (JTB) will hand out thousands of free beef patties at Toronto’s Union Station on 23FEB in celebration of Jamaican Patty Day. Locals are encouraged to visit the Jamaica pop-up space at the Bay Union Samples Kiosk inside Union Station (65 Front Street West) on February 23 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. to enjoy a free Jamaican beef patty from Patties Express and learn more about the island destination.
In honour of the 39th annual Jamaican Patty Day in Toronto, the JTB is also giving away a special prize trip for two to Kingston, Jamaica courtesy of Flair Airlines and Spanish Court Hotel, giving foodies a chance to sample authentic Jamaican patties from the source. Contest entries can be submitted at visitjamaica.com/patty-day until 25FEB.
Jamaican Patty Day pays tribute to the historic beef that took place in the mid ’80’s between Toronto’s Jamaican patty vendors and local food inspectors. Authorities claimed the city’s patty shops could not use the term “beef patties” to describe their tasty snack food offerings. Following a series of court battles, the Patty Wars were resolved in a ruling on February 23, 1985. The day has been known henceforth as Jamaican Patty Day in Toronto.
“Each year, Jamaican Patty Day celebrates a unique part of Toronto’s history while acknowledging the important contributions that the Jamaican Diaspora has made on the city’s culinary identity,” said Angella Bennett, Regional Director, Canada, Jamaica Tourist Board. “We’re looking forward to welcoming Torontonians to our pop-up space in Union Station on February 23 to try a free Jamaican beef patty and get a taste of the island!”
Learn more about Jamaica’s vibrant culinary offerings, go to visitjamaica.com/feel-the-vibe/cuisine.
