Hello, hello and welcome! If Grenada Carnival (a.k.a. Spicemas) is on your radar, you’re in the right place. Whether you’re starting to plan your trip or just curious about what makes Grenada’s Carnival so special, we’ve got the must-know facts for you: dates, highlights, and what to expect once you land on the beautiful Spice Island. Keep reading, because we’ve got you covered!
General Information
- Grenada is located in the southeastern Caribbean. The nation of Grenada is comprised of three key islands: Grenada, Carriacou and Petit Martinique
- The capital of Grenada is St. George’s
- Grenada Carnival celebrations begin in July with soca competitions and end with the Carnival parade, held in St. George’s, on the second Tuesday in August
- Grenada Carnival 2025 Dates: Friday August 8 to Tue August 12
- Additional Grenada Carnival Dates: 2026 – Friday Aug 7 to Tue Aug 11; 2027 – Friday Aug 6 to Tue Aug 10
- Grenada is known as “The Spice Island” (or “The Spice Isle”) because it is a major producer of nutmeg and mace. Other spices like allspice, clove, ginger, turmeric, cardamom, and cinnamon also thrive in the volcanic soil found there
- Grenada Carnival is also known as Spicemas
- The local currency is the Eastern Caribbean dollar (XCD)
- 1.00 USD = around 2.7 XCD (at time of this post)
- Be prepared to drive on the left side of the road if you’re renting a vehicle!
Famous Grenadians
Some well-known Grenadians:
- Mighty Sparrow (Slinger Francisco), calypso singer, known as the King of Calypso
- George Harris, actor probably best known for playing the role of Kingsley Shacklebolt in the Harry Potter series
How to get to Grenada Carnival
- It would be best to purchase your flights at least 6 months in advance. The prices will increase the closer that you get to Spicemas
- The airport in Grenada is the Maurice Bishop International Airport and the airport code is GND
- Current airlines flying to Grenada (at time of this post):
- United Airlines
- American Airlines
- Caribbean Airlines
- British Airways
- Air Canada
- JetBlue
- Delta
Where to stay in Grenada
- We recommend booking your accommodations as early as possible as demand, and prices, will increase as you get closer to carnival time
- Staying in or close to St. George’s is ideal as you will be closest to the main parade and other events
- There are a wide variety of accommodations on the island, from hotels and resorts to guest houses and private apartment rentals, however do your research!
- Here are a few accommodations for you to check out:
Grenada Carnival Highlights
- Grenada Carnival has a 2 Parade days with J’ouvert, Carnival Monday Parade and Night Mas taking place on Carnival Monday and Carnival of the Bands, aka Pretty Mas, occurring on Carnival Tuesday
- Jab Jab J’ouvert is a truly Grenadian experience that you can’t get anywhere else. Unlike other islands, J’ouvert is a less formal and organized event — very few bands will be found here. You’ll join the Jabs in de streets, covered in oil, in this annual tradition rooted in satire and rebellion. Get dutty and cover yourself in oil or ashes. Then participate in this free form street “lime” and then head to the world famous Grand Anse Beach to wash up
- Monday Night Mas is another can’t miss event. Take to the streets and light up the night with your band for a parade unlike any other
- The Parade route is easier to navigate than other islands as it follows one route with several access points to the beach (if you want to leave the parade early). However, it is pretty long at 9+ miles per day, with small inclines. It also loops around as it passes through St. George’s
Check out this video for a quick recap of our last Ultimate Spicemas
Grenada Carnival Costumes
- The businesses/costume providers that you get your costumes from are called “bands”. The bands usually have an overall theme for their costumes each year. The costume options are divided into “sections”. Each section will have the same style and colour scheme
- There are many bands for you to choose from. Here are a few of the more popular ones:
- Similar to other islands, bands offer a full service experience—this means with the fee you pay for your costume you also get access to drinks on de road and security in the band. Some bands will also include food
- Playing mas with a band is DE BEST way to experiene Grenada Carnival!
- Costume prices range from $700USD and up, and usually have a frontline and backline option. The frontline costumes are typically bigger, more elaborate and therefore, are offered at a higher price point
Now Over to You:
Grenada Carnival is a celebration rooted in legacy, celebration, and joy. From the oil-smeared Jab Jabs to the glowing magic of Monday Night Mas, tradition adds to the Carnival’s vibrant spirit.
Want to experience it all without the stress of planning? Our Ultimate Spicemas 2026 Experience has you covered — costumes, fetes, transportation, and on-the-ground support, so you can just show up and soak it all in.
👉🏾 Book your spot now and get ready to turn your Spicemas dreams into reality!
Got questions about Grenada Carnival? Leave us a comment below!
Til de next lime,
Team Events By Ashé
About Us: Events by Ashé is a company that provides unique and life-changing Caribbean Experiences and we’re all passionate about the Carnival lifestyle. The Founders and travel curators, Esha and Tarik, even met during Trinidad Carnival back in 2006! We’re so passionate about Carnival that we’ve created Ultimate Trinidad Carnival, Ultimate Spicemas, Ultimate Crop Over and Ultimate St. Lucia Carnival to share these experiences with hundreds of clients around the world. Visit our website by clicking here or click the links below for more!
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