Rastafarians all over the world hold April 21, as an important day in their history. On April 21, 1966, Haile Selassie visited Jamaica and it has since been known globally as Grounation Day. They revere it as a holy day that marks their messiah setting foot on Jamaican soil. 

At the airport that day large crowds of Rastas gathered beating drums, chanting and the air was filled with the scent of marijuana. Writers suggest that over 100,000 rastas would have emerged at the Norman Manley Airport to witness the arrival of their king. 

When Selassie’s plane landed on that day, the tarmac was crowded with people to the point where all official protocols had to be abandoned. 

The Emperor was overwhelmed by the enthusiastic welcome and had to wait in the plane due to the extensive crowd which gathered outside.