Festival or Jamaican festival is a type of deep-fried bread, typical of Jamaican cuisine,[1] Despite its slightly sweet taste, it is served as a side dish with escovitch fish, seafood or jerk chicken,[2][3][4][5] as well as, a breakfast item and street food.

While its exact roots are unclear, it is likely to have been created during the colonial era, from a fusion of ingredients and techniques from the different ethnic groups which have inhabited the island.

The dish bears similarities to hushpuppy[6] which has Native American and French influences,[7][8] as well as, croquettes de maïs (corn croquettes) from France, Spanish / Latin corn fritters which also have Native American roots, sorullos from Puerto Rico and the Dominican Republic, and Chinese fried doughs which were introduced to the island by Chinese indentured labourers– like Jamaican twist donuts.

[6][11] Its slightly sweet flavor complements the spicy and tangy profiles of these dishes, making it a staple in Jamaican cuisine.

[6] Festival is also eaten as a street food or snack, and it is a popular breakfast side dish often paired with ackee and saltfish.