Wed | Jan 7, 2026
The Classics

Photo Flashback: A warm welcome for the New Year, 1974

Published:Friday | January 2, 2026 | 9:35 AM
Pause
Swingers – New Year’s Eve revellers enjoying the dance floor to the sounds of the In Crowd Band at the Sheraton Kingston Hotel’s New Year’s Eve Ball.
Limbo Time – Prince Tony thrilling patrons with a limbo performance at the Queen of Hearts nightclub on New Year’s Eve.
Skanking Time – Revellers greeting the new year in a lively “skanking” mood at the Flamingo Hotel’s New Year’s Eve Ball to the sounds of the Fabulous Falcons.
Pablo in Dub – Popular reggae musician Augustus Pablo blowing one of his signature melodies at the Carib Theatre, with Skin, Flesh and Bones in the background.
1
2
3
4

As Jamaicans rang in 1974, dance floors and nightclubs across Kingston came alive with music, movement and celebration. From elegant hotel balls to pulsating club scenes, revellers welcomed the new year in high spirits, carried by the sounds of reggae, ska and popular bands of the day. These moments capture the joy, style and rhythm that defined New Year’s Eve celebrations at the time.