By Heather Carney, Sun Sentinel

The sweet, smoky smells of oxtail and grilled jerk chicken wafted through Miramar Regional Park on Sunday afternoon as people gathered to celebrate Jamaica’s independence.

The Jamaica Independence and Cultural Celebration attracted nearly 3,000 people from across South Florida to enjoy authentic Jamaican cuisine and dance to reggae music in honor of the country’s 51st independence anniversary.

“I came here for the music — it’s the music I grew up with,” said Kitwana Day of Hollywood, who danced to the live music in front of the stage.

The celebration showcased Jamaican artists including four-time festival song contest winner Roy Rayon, Jamaican rock steady group The Melodians, and other local artists including Kashief Lindo, Ambilique, Latty Guzang, Nikiesha Lindo and Code Red Band.

Almost everyone who turned out for the event donned the island’s national colors turning the festival into a sea of black, gold and green.

Beverley Webb, who came to the event with her family, wore a black, gold and green color-blocked floor length dress that her sister bought in Jamaica. Webb, of North Miami, said she came for the “freebies” from vendors and to dance to Ambilique.

“[Jamaica’s] 51-years-old now — we celebrate each year and come and have a good time,” she said. Webb’s sister, who lives in Jamaica, was on vacation and joined her for Sunday’s celebration.

Food vendors said the event was busier than last year because the sun was out and rain didn’t keep residents away. Colleen Harpool, manager of Cliff’s Restaurant and Catering, said her oxtail, jerk chicken and jerk pork were selling fast.

Other stands sold fresh fruit juice, mangoes, watermelons, sugar cane and sweet corn. Vendors also sold bracelets braided with Jamaica’s colors, Bob Marley shirts and jewelry.

This year the celebration included a children’s talent show for kids ages 10 to 15 to show off their dancing, music or spoken word skills.

“Some did dance, some sang — we’re going to push that more next year,” said event organizer Denver “Jamusa” Silvera. Thirteen kids participated and won prizes including clothing and sunglasses, said Silvera.

Last year for the country’s 50th anniversary, the Jamaican Independence Celebration was deemed an “official celebratory event” and “global site” by the Jamaica 50 Secretariat. Celebrations in Jamaica, London and Canada were broadcast on a large screen near the stage where reggae performers sang.

Desarine Maragh of Fort Lauderdale, who’s been to many of the Jamaican Independence Day celebrations, said she was most looking forward to hearing artists play “old school reggae” like Bob Marley.

“We’re here because we’re Jamaicans, we’re celebrating our independence — we’ve been on the low for a long time,” she said.