Festival is a fried dough, the closest thing I can compare it to from US would be a hush puppy, but thats not really a good comparison
Festival is usually long like a breadstick almost rather than round like a hush puppy, though Jonny cakes are usually round and taste the same as festival

I am a huge fan of festival too and agree its not as common in Negril. But I have gotten it at Jerkys on the way in before and also out in the country it is very commonly served with jerk chicken as a side
Very delicious, I will be sure to try it at Seastar! Thanks