Grenada Carnival 2019

Spicemas is Grenada’s annual carnival.  It is one of the few carnivals in the Caribbean held months after the season of lent. The festival takes place over a number of days and gives the true representation of Grenadian culture.

Spicemas was originally held around the Lenten season; however, in 1981 it was moved to the summer months. This was to maximize the benefits of the festival. It was also a good idea, as the festival would not compete as a tourist attraction with Trinidad Carnival.

Grenada is referred to as the spice island because of its large production of nutmeg and mace spices. The island itself is beautiful and the culture is unique. Spicemas, which is recognized for its J’ouvert, is becoming a destination for carnival enthusiasts.

Spicemas like all carnivals in the Caribbean has similarities to Trinidad carnival. However, it has its own unique style, which is shaped by Grenadian culture. With the festival being just around the corner, I thought I would fill you in on the bands, costumes and events.

Grenada Carnival 2019 Dates

Carnival activities start in July however; the main festivities of Spicemas take place on the second Monday and Tuesday of August. Therefore, carnival Monday and Tuesday will be August the 12th and 13th in 2019.

Grenada Carnival History

The origins of Grenada Carnival are the same as other carnivals in the Caribbean in that it started during slavery. During the 17th century the French invaded and inhabited Grenada. They imported slaves from Africa and killed off almost all of the Caribs who were originally there.

The French having their own culture and traditions held masquerade balls. The slaves were not permitted to take part but used to hold their own parties. These parties often mimicked the balls they saw the slave masters holding.

When the slaves were finally emancipated, they continued to hold these parties.  However, the newly liberated slaves partied in the streets covered in black grease and molasses. Many of them wore padlocks around their legs, chains around their necks, dead animals and horns.

This was to offend their former slave masters and the boujee society of the French. The slaves’ masters referred to them as jab molassie, which means the ‘molasses devil’ in French patois.

The carnival has since evolved into what Spicemas is today. However, many traditions continue today and is seen in J’ouvert and other celebrations. You will see Jab Jab present today with persons dressed as devil like characters.

It is important to note that jab jab is not associated with devil worship. Jab Jab is merely a part of the culture and the way Grenadians celebrate and remember their ancestors.

Photo Credit goes to @lookintomyeyesphotography ‘Roger Lewis’

Grenada Carnival J’ouvert /Pageant Mas/Monday Night Mas

Carnival Monday officially starts with J’ouvert which will take place on August 12, 2019.  This is one of the biggest events of the festival and I would recommend that you don’t miss it. In the early hours of Carnival Monday masqueraders will take to the streets.

You will see revellers covered in molasses, grease, tar and mud wearing horned helmets. Many will be wearing costumes to have a devilish appearance.  Grenada’s version of J’ouvert is referred to as Jab-Jab or Devil Mas.

The revellers are later joined by Ole Mas who present theatre on the events of the past year during the morning. There are bands you can register with is you would like to take part in J’ouvert and Ole Mas. You can check out some of the bands on the official website for Spicemas here.

Later in the day is time for traditional mas and pretty mas bands. Traditional mas bands wear three quarter baggy pants, Arab-like head pieces and huge collars. These are referred to as the short knee bands. The pretty mas bands have modern costumes, beautiful feathers and are typically what the modern day carnival enthusiast is accustomed to.

In the night will be Monday Night Mas which ends the Carnival Monday celebrations. People pay mas in t-shirt bands waving fluorescent wands partying well into Tuesday morning.

Photo Credit goes to @lookintomyeyesphotography ‘Roger Lewis’

Carnival Tuesday Parade of the Bands

This is the grand finale of Spicemas when the parade of the bands takes place. This is where you have all the flamboyant carnival costumes on display. Carnival Tuesday the streets of St. George are dominated by street bands.   

Grenada Carnival Bands

If you were wondering which bands to play mas with this year at carnival, I have listed some of the bands below. All of the bands I will list are pretty mas bands which I believe most will be interested in.

Two of the bands SummerCrew ‘Itastic’ and Carnival Xtacy of Eden productions are on our website. You can check out the prices and packages, the rest of bands you will have to follow the links to their social media. Review the packages of each and make your decision. As always pick your band early as the good sections tend to sell out fast.

I think the costumes look amazing however, you will see for yourself.

Helen Marie Associates

Cherosmas Band

Aga Carnival

Grenada Carnival 2019 Fetes/Events

The truth is that the main events will take place during the week leading up to carnival Monday and Tuesday. However, there will be some events before. I have placed a couple events which will be during Spicemas 2019. As time goes by I will add some more events to the list.

Children’s Carnival Frolic Saturday, August 3, 2019

‘SHADES’ Day Cruise, Aug 7, 2019     

National Carnival Queen Show Thursday, August 8, 2019    

SMC Groovy/Soca Monarch Final Friday, August 9, 2019     

SAVVI – Cooler Fete Edition, Friday, August 9, 2019

Rum Boat, The Premium All-Inclusive Breakfast Edition, Saturday August 10, 2019.

Panorama Saturday, August 10, 2019

Full White & Bright Colour Shoes (Boat ride) August 10, 2019         

Grenada Carnival Competitions

It is important to remember that amidst all the fun that there are competitions that take place during the carnival. There are steelpan competitions, bands and costumes are judged along the route. Winners are chosen from soca competitions.

Some of the competitions include:

King of the Bands

Queen of the Bands

Band of the Year

Road March

Calypso Monarch

Bomb Tune Competition

There are many more but I thought I would mention a few just in case you wanted to stay abreast of what was going on.

Places to Stay

Wherever you decide to stay you must book your accommodation as early as possible as this is the busiest time of year in Grenada. The best area to stay will be Grand Anse as it is close to the action and the bus routes.

The closer you get to the action the better because during carnival many roads are closed and buses are rented out as taxis. The best hotels to stay at are The Sea Breeze Hotel, Coyaba Beach Resort, Allamanda Beach Resort or the Siesta Hotel.

Grenada Carnival Packages

On this blog, I try to provide as much information as possible on Caribbean carnivals. This information is for the individual who decides to plan trips on their own or with friends. However, planning for any trip especially for carnival can be stressful.

Things like booking a hotel, getting transportation, picking your carnival costume etc. can be a headache. Thankfully, many businesses provide concierge services that handle all of the planning for you.

I thought I would post couple business that can help make your carnival experience a lot easier.

Carnival Luxe

Some of their services include:

• On call transportation
• Costume collection and delivery
• On site makeup
• Free event tickets
• Tours of the island

You can just look through the packages offered and make your decision.

Things to do in Grenada

While the main purpose of your trip is for carnival I would suggest you take in some of beauty of the island. Once you have enough time on your trip possibly a couple days before or after the carnival festivities.

It really all comes down to your preference and what you like to do for fun. There are many things you can do in Grenada and here is a small list of them.

• Visit Grand Etang National Park: This is a park set in the mountains of Grenada. It contains a beautiful waterfall and lake.
• La Sagesse Nature Centre: The nature centre boasts of having the best bird watching in the island. If you are into animals and wildlife in general this will be the spot for you. The centre has species of birds such as the Caribbean coot, the green-back heron, and the northern Jacuna. They also have unique species of monkeys.
• Diving: Grenada has over 30 diving sites around the island including shipwrecks and coral reefs. There is also an underwater sculpture park resting at the bottom of Moliniere Bay. If you are a diving enthusiast this will be the experience for you. The underwater sculptures depict scenes from Grenadian culture and history.
• Spice Plantation Tour: As stated earlier in this article Grenada is known as the Spice island. While in Grenada you can get a tour of their spice plantation in the village of Gouyave.
• Grand Anse Beach: While in the island why not take some time and kick back and relax on the beach. Grand Anse beach is one of the best beach spots on the island. The truth is you will probably encounter the beach around J’ouvert. However, I would suggest take a day out hit the beach and relax.

Have a Blast!!!

Spicemas has a fun and safe carnival every year. To be honest I cannot remember any major incidents happening at during the festival. I hope everyone who decides to travel to Grenada for Spicemas this year will have a blast. I believe this year will be epic.

If you have any other questions, feel free to shoot us an email. Also, if you have been to Spicemas and would like to share your experience feel free to in the comments below.