Haile Selassie's 1966 visit to Jamaica became a holy day for the Rastafari
The 1966 arrival of Ethiopian Emperor Haile Selassie in Jamaica transformed a state visit into a profound spiritual event that remains a cornerstone of Rastafari culture and identity today.
When Emperor Haile Selassie I landed in Kingston on April 21, 1966, he was greeted by thousands of Rastafarians who viewed him as a divine figure. This momentous visit, now celebrated annually as Grounation Day, marked a turning point for a marginalized community. The Emperor's presence provided a sense of legitimacy and pride that had long been denied to the movement.
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