ATI or Dream Weekend is a party event spanning 5-7 days. This year it’s five days of day & night parties sponsored by Appleton and held at various locations. Some with live performers and others are DJ spinning music. Yes, Negril becomes packed not only as a result of dream weekend attendees but many Jamaicans living abroad return home for Independence and Emancipation celebrations which follow. They usually stay 2+ weeks scattered throughout the island so Negril is less congested at the conclusion of dream weekend.

As I mentioned, you don’t really notice the additional people until late afternoon/early evening. Unless there’s a daytime party event (usually held outside the Negril tourist hub) most stay in until it’s time to go. You definitely see life at night!!! Masses of people and bumper to bumper traffic, yes, but not out of control. I’ve been three times and the only unpleasant incident I encountered was when the roof of the Jungle collapsed. Otherwise it was pretty much lots of young partiers, most dressed quite fashionably, having a ball at the well organized and police monitored events. Even if tourists stay away from the party venues, some still stroll the beach road and take advantage of the many vendors lined up selling fresh cooked food or dip into one of the beach bars for a drink.