Carnival Dates

• Carriacou Carnival
  2/4/2008
  Carriacou, Grenada
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• Spicemas
  5/30/2008 - 8/12/2008
  St. George's, Grenada
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About Carnival in Grenada

Carnival comes from the Latin carne levare, which means "farewell to meat" and is held annually around the beginning of August and lasts 10 days. The tradition, some believed came from the French and Romans who pigged out on meat the day before Lent and then issuing a strict period of fasting. Between the 1st of the year and Lent, the French would celebrate by hosting magnificent balls. The slave being left out of their owners' fun and fanfare organized their own parties during the same time and because they had not the elaborate dresses of their owners, they put together costumes with what little they had. This is said to be the origin of "Ole Mas", symbolic of every thing evil in society.

Grenada's Carnival has been celebrated on the island since the Europeans occupied the island. Although smaller and lesser known than its Caribbean counterparts, carnival has the same magnificence that any of the best have to offer. It is believed that the Trinidad carnival was heavily influenced by Grenada due to the Catholics that resettled in Trinidad with their slaves, who celebrated as they did while in Grenada, and thus influencing the natives.

The festival is held in August one of the hottest months in the Caribbean. This in no way inhabits the revelers as programs are planned to escape the harshest heat of the day. The feeling of emancipation brings together peoples of all statuses, celebrating to the intoxicating sound of music, dance and food into a pageantry of colourful costumes, talent shows and parades that takes the breath away.

Spice Mas - A celebration with the pomp and pageantry like the mother of Carnivals. Grenada's carnival is indeed a celebration of the artistry, uniqueness, and vibrancy of the nations people. Colorful costumes, competitions and an outpouring of talent go along with the celebrations. Started from the Romans and French the tradition traveled to the Caribbean in the 17th century. During the slave trade elaborate balls were hosted on the plantations, the slaves mimicked their owners and did their own celebration praying for liberation. This grew and became what it has become today. Although not as popular as the larger Caribbean carnivals, this celebration has evolved to be one of the greatest in the Caribbean.