History Of Carnival

To fully grasp the roots of Grenada’s Carnival—locally called Spicemas—you have to take a quick dive into the island’s broader colonial history. Like many of its Caribbean neighbours, Grenada was “discovered” by Christopher Columbus in 1498, although he didn’t actually set foot on the island. The Spanish made a claim but barely paid it any mind. The real action started when the French settled there in the 1650s, after wiping out most of the island’s indigenous Kalinago population.

Under the French, Catholicism reigned and so did Carnival traditions, especially those tied to pre-Lenten festivities—masquerade balls, masked dances, and plenty of indulgence before the fasting season began. However, the enslaved Africans brought to work the sugarcane plantations observed this from the margins. Over time, they developed their own version of the celebration—infused with African drums, storytelling, and spiritual elements, often held in secret to avoid punishment.

In 1763, Grenada was handed over to the British, who were far less tolerant of Carnival-style merrymaking. The British Protestants tried to stamp out what they saw as disorderly and “pagan” traditions. But Carnival proved to be resilient. Enslaved Africans, and later freed people, found creative ways to preserve their cultural expression—be it through stick fighting, masquerade bands, or the rhythm of the drum.

Slavery was officially abolished in Grenada in 1834, and by 1838, full emancipation had been granted. Though the British attempted to regulate and suppress Afro-Caribbean gatherings, Carnival simply shifted in form and location, taking to the streets and gaining its own momentum. These were raw, community-led celebrations—far from the elite ballroom affairs of earlier French influence.

In the 20th century, as nationalism grew, Carnival became more distinctly Grenadian. It moved away from its colonial Catholic calendar roots and was repositioned to August. This shift aligned the celebration with Emancipation Day (August 1st) and Carnival Monday and Tuesday (which now fall in early to mid-August), highlighting the island’s pride in its African heritage and independence.

Modern-day Spicemas is a vibrant, homegrown fusion of masquerade, calypso, soca, and steelpan. Grenadians celebrate with a unique flair, most famously through Jab Jab—a devilish portrayal that involves covering oneself in black oil, paint, or molasses and donning chains and horns. It’s a rebellious, almost theatrical nod to the pain and endurance of slavery, now flipped into fearless expression.

Other highlights include Monday Night Mas, where bands of revellers light up the streets with glow sticks, LED costumes, and party trucks. There’s also Pageant Mas, which features more traditional feathered and beaded costumes, and the competitive world of calypso and soca monarch contests.

Today, Grenada’s Carnival is a celebration of resistance, resilience, and rhythm. Locals and tourists alike jump, wave, and wine in the streets, soaking up the sweet sounds of soca under the August sun. It’s not just a party—it’s history on parade.