St. Mary of the Visitation to host 49th Jamaica Festival

By LPR Staff                          

This summer, St. Mary of the Visitation Catholic Church in Lockhart will once again bring the community together for its signature summer celebration.  

    The 49th Annual Jamaica Festival is set for Friday, July 25 and Saturday, July 26, 2025. The event will take place on the church’s Jamaica Grounds located at 205 W. Pecan Street in downtown Lockhart. 

     The festival is one of the longest-running and most anticipated events in the area, blending food, music, games, and faith in a two-day celebration of community.

    Launched nearly five decades ago as a parish fundraiser, the festival has grown into a major event drawing families from across Caldwell County and beyond. Today, it serves as St. Mary’s primary annual fundraiser, supporting a wide range of church ministries, youth programs, and building needs. It is also a showcase of cultural pride, volunteerism, and community togetherness.

    This year’s festival will kick off on Friday at 11 am with the popular tamale plate sale. Volunteers work countless hours to make approximately 800 tamales to be served at the parish hall until 4 p.m.

    Gates open at 6:00 p.m. with DJ Jesse the Jammer opening the evening, followed by a lineup of regional live music acts. Slated to perform is Nathan Colt Young from 7:30-9 p.m. followed by Micheal Salgado at 10:15-11:45. 

     The festivities resume Saturday at 6:00 p.m., with more live performances and family entertainment. Conjunto Cats begin at 8 p.m. followed by Ricky Narango at 10 p.m. Once the music ends the church raffle begins at 11:45. Over $16,000 has been raised or donated by various groups and individuals to provide the items for the raffle. Tickets can be purchased for $3 from queen candidates. 

    Two young parishioners are leading the Queen royalty campaign for 2025: Sofia Navarro and Raquel Analis Bailon are vying to be this year’s Jamaica Queen. Caroline Davis is serving as the Little Queen candidate. All are actively supported by the Jamaica Committee, which is chaired by Irene Sanchez and includes dozens of volunteers who prepare months in advance. Sanchez, who has led the Jamaica Committee for the past three years, has coordinated the effort on her own but says she has never felt alone in the work. “It’s a good feeling. While it has been a lot of work, it has been rewarding,” she said. “Raising money for the church has been a blessing. It’s not just about giving, but about working together.”

   Among the festival’s main attractions is its food, especially the homemade tamales. Additional booths will serve favorites such as fajitas, funnel cakes, snow cones, and other carnival fare. The grounds will also feature games for all ages, a bingo hall and face painting.      

     In keeping with its family-friendly atmosphere, the Jamaica Festival maintains a no-alcohol policy, and no outside containers or coolers are allowed on the premises. For those seeking a more relaxed experience near the stage, VIP table reservations are available for $250, which includes seating for eight across both nights.

    The community spirit behind Jamaica is perhaps its most enduring quality. Generations of families volunteer to cook, organize booths, and help run the festival, reinforcing the values of faith, fellowship, and service that define St. Mary of the Visitation. Jesse Bustamante of Lockhart said, “Jamaica is a testament to what happens when a faith community pours its heart into celebrating together.”

    With the 50th anniversary on the horizon in 2026, this year’s Jamaica promises to be a heartfelt and joyful gathering filled with tradition, tamales, and Texas hospitality. Whether you’re a longtime Lockhart resident or a visitor drawn by the aroma of fresh food and the sounds of live Tejano music, the Jamaica Festival welcomes all. 

     For more information, including raffle tickets, volunteer opportunities, or entertainment updates, visit www.smvl.org. As a reminder the festival is free to attend.