Savanna-la-Mar, town in Jamaica
Savanna-la-Mar is a small coastal town in Westmoreland Parish on Jamaica. It sits on flat land next to the sea and contains simple houses, shops, and historic buildings such as the old fort and parish church.
The town was founded by the Spanish in 1730 and became the capital of Westmoreland Parish. It was struck by severe hurricanes multiple times, notably in 1748, 1780, and 1912, causing significant damage each time.
The name Savanna-la-Mar comes from Spanish and means "the plain by the sea". The town is a place where people gather in markets, enjoy traditional music, and celebrate their customs at local festivals throughout the year.
The town sits on flat ground and can be walked or biked through easily. Visitors should prepare for strong sun and note that early mornings are best for exploring the quieter streets.
Legends from the 1780 hurricane say the sea rose so high that ships got stuck among the trees on shore. A century later, in 1912, a schooner was pushed directly into town by storm waves.
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