ghostwritten by Candi Licence for SpiceMas Corporation Carnival Article

November 2019, for Truly Discover Grenada, Carriacou, and Petit Martinique (Annual Visitor’s Guide)

Are you going to be in Grenada, the second week of August?  Lucky you! SpiceMas, Grenada’s week-long Carnival extravaganza, showcases the best of Grenadian culture and traditions.  Plan to be enticed, enthralled, and engaged in non-stop fun.

This annual celebration, filled with many unforgettable events, is designed to make you want to be part of the action. Dance along with masqueraders costumed in feathers and sequins as they parade through the streets.  Cheer for your favorite artistes as they compete in fierce Soca, Calypso, and Steel Pan competitions to capture their Monarch crowns and bragging rights for the next year. Witness the enthralling and nail-biting beauty pageant to crown the National Carnival Queen. If you dare, step out of your comfort zone and join J’Ouvert, an over-the-top, raucous pre-dawn street parade.

Carnival in the Caribbean islands originated in the 18^th century when French colonial masters held extravagant feasts and elaborate masquerade (Mas) balls before Lent. Slaves, prohibited from participating in the festivities, created their own celebration combining their master’s events with African traditions and disguised themselves to avoid being recognized for some of the mockery they preformed.

Today, you can watch Traditional Mas bands preserve the historical roots of Carnival. The Jab Jab players entrance everyone. During slavery, plantation owners would often kill uncooperative slaves by throwing them into a boiling copper of molasses for refusing to work. Jab Jab players portray spirits of murdered slaves who return to haunt their masters. They cover themselves with molasses, tar or used motor oil, carry torches, whips, and chains.  They are present throughout Carnival, and they are the highlight of J’Ouvert, an early morning street parade filled with costumes, blaring Soca music, and rum.  You will never forget seeing these characters emerge from the darkness carrying torches and engage in outrageous antics.

Grenada is known worldwide for our amazing J’Ouvert, and it a highlight of Carnival.  Some dress up in their most outlandish costumes, while others use the opportunity to evoke the spirit of their ancestors, cover their faces and bear placards with thought provoking messages, all while dancing down the boulevard to pounding Soca music. Bumping against each other, they end up covered in oil, paint, or even famous Grenadian chocolate. You can safely watch from the sidelines or jump in, join the fun, and become part of the tapestry of color.

Traditional bands play essential roles in Carnival.  Wild Indians portray the indigenous people of Grenada. The magnificent Moko Jumbies are costumed characters who strut on 10 to 15-foot-tall stilts and tower over the crowds watching for evil. Maypole Dancers create intricate designs with their streamers. The Vieux Corps dress all in black and conceal their identity with painted masks. They are silent except for their tapping wooden shoes, portraying the loss of identity, status, and the complete invisibility of slaves. Short Knee bands are brilliantly costumed, masked characters with short pants, mirrors, and bells. They dance in intricate patterns, chant, demand loose change, and throw powder in the air to bless the crowd. Which traditional band will be your favorite?

More recent Carnival events join the Traditional Mas bands. You’ve seen pictures of Fancy Mas or Pretty Mas bands. Brimming with scantily clad dancers wearing elaborate feather headdresses and covered in sequined outfits, masqueraders saunter down the street in a dazzling parade. Be sure to take pictures of this spectacular display of costumes and dance moves.

Masqueraders parade through the streets after dark wearing neon headdresses and holding glowing torches during Monday Night Mas. Row upon row of players perform intricate patterns with their colorful props and fill the night with waves of pulsating colors. You will be dazzled by the masses of people, lights, and routines.

Music is an integral part of Grenadian culture. Original songs and melodies are composed specially for the SpiceMas competitions. If you love Soca, Calypso, and Pan, you are in for a treat.

Dimanche Gras is a fierce Calypso contest where lyrics highlight political and social issues that the country faces.  Calypso is sometimes called the poor man’s newspaper. The artistes leverage their songs to give voice to controversial topics like healthcare, education, or domestic abuse that may otherwise get ignored.

The Groovy and Soca Monarchs are awarded their coveted crowns based on specific judging criteria as well as crowd appeal.  Soca, sometimes called Power Soca, has the thumping, fast-paced rhythm that everyone associates with Carnival while Groovy has a slower-paced beat, and sweeter sound. The artistes stage extravagant spectacles using lights, smoke, dancers, and special effects to work the crowd to a frenzied fever. Sit in the stands to observe the action or be on the ground to be pulled into the madness of hundreds of ecstatic fans to scream and move to the music.

The Steel Pan competition, Panorama, is an explosion of sound and movement.  Bands with 40 to 100 players pound metal drums of all sizes and shapes to create intricate melodies usually based on the most popular Soca songs.  With braids flying and bodies swaying in time with the tune, these talented musicians fill the stadium and the surrounding areas with triumphant sounds.

If you love beauty and pageantry, the National Carnival Queen Show captivates and entertains.  Each contestant, already their parish queen, competes on talent, Carnival costume, swimwear, eveningwear, and their interview. Loyal fans fill the audience and they loudly encourage their favorite queen. Still it is the judges’ difficult task to determine who will reign as the National Carnival Queen for the next year.

Don’t miss one of the most engaging and captivating parts of Carnival, the Children’s Carnival Frolic. Young children participate in their own event that keeps Carnival relevant for the next generation and teaches cultural traditions. You’ll delight in seeing children as young as three enjoying themselves as they  cross the stage dressed in either Traditional Mas or Fancy Mas costumes in this precious and cherished tradition.

Carnival is a special time where Grenadians come together to celebrate culture, showcase tradition, and engage in a spectacular multiday event that consumes the entire country. Join us for the best party in the Caribbean, SpiceMas – Many Events, One Carnival.