The tri-island state of Grenada, Carriacou and Petite Martinique is welcoming back its world-famous Spicemas carnival in August this year. Back after a two-year hiatus due to the pandemic, Spicemas will showcase the Grenadian culture, with the festivities culminating on Carnival Monday and Tuesday, August 8 and 9. Brimming with pageantry and expression linked to the country’s African, French, British and Caribbean heritage, the carnival is colorful, vibrant and full of surprises, offering an important nod to Grenadian’s ancestral heritage.
Grenada’s top calypsonians, power soca and groovy soca artistes will compete for the coveted titles of Calypso, Soca and Groovy Monarch on Fantastic Thursday and Bacchanal Friday. Then, on Pantastic Saturday, the steel bands will vie for the top spot of Panorama Champion. Planned as an official event for the first time this year, Carnival Sunday’s Canboulay will be a community event with Canboulay centers established in villages around Grenada.
Petra Roach, CEO of the Grenada Tourism Authority, said, “We are thrilled by the return of Spicemas this summer. It is undoubtedly a highlight of the year for locals and visitors alike, showcasing the best entertainment and culture that Grenada has to offer. We look forward to welcoming revelers who return year after year and first timers for this unique and all-immersive event.”
Spicemas climaxes in the early hours of Carnival Monday as revelers covered in paint, oil, tar, mud, molasses and even chocolate gather for the J’ouvert parade. While J’ouvert is a common feature in other Caribbean carnivals, the Spicemas J’ouvert experience witnesses thousands of Jab-Jabs making their way through the streets, chanting and beating drums. J’ouvert morning is an emancipation celebration and tribute to the ancestors. Later, Fancy and Traditional mas’ bands will parade through the streets until dusk when the Monday Night Mas bands take over to light up the sky, another experience found only at Spicemas. Carnival Tuesday will see masqueraders in full costume and glory for the final Parade of the Bands.
Arley Gill, chairman of the Spicemas Corporation, said, “We are excited to stage our first Spicemas in three years. From all indications this will be our biggest festival ever. We will celebrate life through our portrayals and music. And of course, Spicemas remains the home for Jab-Jabs from all over the world.
https://www.travelagentcentral.com/destinations/grenada-welcomes-back-its-annual-spicemas-carnival
