3 Unique Grenada Carnival Experiences You Don’t Want to Miss
If you think you know what to expect at Grenada Carnival (a.k.a. Spicemas) think again. Yes, you’ll find costumes, sweet soca music, and the parade. But this island’s celebration has its own vibe, flavor, and energy that set it apart from anywhere else in the Caribbean.
In this post, we’re sharing three unforgettable moments that showcase the magic, freedom, and culture at the heart of Grenada Carnival. Discover why Spicemas is an experience that will stay with you long after you’ve left the island.
Play Jab Jab (J’ouvert)
An experience unlike any other, Grenada Carnival’s J’ouvert throws you into the raw, expressive spectacle that is Jab Jab Mas.
The Jab Jab (or Djab Djab) character was born out of resistance — a way for enslaved Grenadians to satirize and exaggerate the “devil” image forced on them by slave owners who demonized their African culture. The tradition continues today, just like it did centuries ago. Jabs coat themselves in molasses, ash, or oil, exaggerating their blackness, color their tongues red and take to the streets beating drums with horned helmets and other props to make themselves look more fierce. Dragging chains and shackles to symbolize breaking free from physical slavery has taken on new meaning in modern times. Using various props, old refrigerators, TV sets and computers, the Jabs continue to make commentary about other social ills and struggles, becoming living theatre on the road.
If you’re daring, you can join in — just don’t wear anything you can’t part with. And when the sun comes up, many head to Grand Anse Beach (consistently voted one of the best beaches in the world!) to wash it all off, turning the morning into a ritual of release, emerging renewed and ready for what lies ahead.
For more about the history of Jab Jab, click here.
Night Mas
If you think parade fun only happens during the day, think again! Night Mas brings a whole new energy to Grenada Carnival.
What makes Night Mas so unforgettable is its vibe: both intimate and electric. You’re shoulder to shoulder with locals and fellow revelers, glow sticks and neon lights cutting through the Caribbean night sky. Then you have the soca music pulling everyone into one heartbeat. The cool night air makes it easy to dance for hours, long after you thought your energy was gone.
And after the raw release of Jab Jab Mas, Night Mas feels like the perfect next chapter. A celebration of freedom and joy as the Carnival magic doesn’t just continue, it intensifies.
Living Traditions: Jab Jab and Shortknee
Grenada Carnival is grounded in history and traditions that date back generations. The Jab Jab is one example and it’s joined by the Shortknee bands. Dressed in matching costumes, wire masks, and ankle bells that create the rhythm as they parade through the streets, the groups chant call-and-response verses and shower onlookers with powder.
Learn more about the Shortknee tradition here.
These portrayals add a unique element to Grenada Carnival as they honor Grenada’s history and connect today’s Carnival to centuries of resistance, and celebration.
Now over to you…
From Jab Jab to the glow of Night Mas, Spicemas in Grenada is a full-body experience of freedom, culture, and unforgettable energy. Across the island, neighborhoods and towns ignite with everything from casual street limes to ticketed, all-inclusive fêtes.
Ready to experience it for yourself?
Our Ultimate Spicemas 2026 Experience brings you straight into the action with costumes, fêtes, ground transportation, and local support—all curated so you can enjoy the celebration stress-free. Here’s what it includes:
- An oh-so-fabulous stay at the all–inclusive Royalton Grenada
- Your costume
- Ground transportation including airport transfers
- Fêtes + premium experiences
- On-the-ground support (yes, we’ll be there with you!)
All you need to do is buy your flight, pack, and show up. We handle the details so you can focus on de fun!
👉🏾 Book your Grenada Carnival package now and step into history, culture, and pure Grenada magic.
Have questions about Grenada Carnival? Just leave us a comment below.
Til de next lime,
Team Events by Ashé
About us: Events by Ashé is a company that curates unique and life-changing Caribbean Carnival Experiences and we’re passionate about the Carnival lifestyle. We’re so passionate about Carnival we created Ultimate Trinidad Carnival, Ultimate Crop Over and Ultimate Spicemas to share these experiences with hundreds of clients around the world. Visit our website or click the links below to learn more!