Overview of Grenada's Spicemas by Dexter Mitchell

Imagine yourself, drink in hand, moving to the pulsating sounds of the latest soca tunes, completely lost in the revelry and pageantry that is Carnival. Well, in this scenario you can imagine yourself in just about any Carnival celebration in the Caribbean.

Now imagine yourself in the same scenario, only this time the action is nonstop, the music just drives you crazy and the intensity of the party and party people is much, much more than you would have expected.

Every island can boast of its own Carnival characteristics, its distinctive brand of music and its unique portrayal and interpretation of Mas. However, in Grenada our Carnival celebrations stand out in a way that would astound and please even the most devoted and seasoned Carnival lover.

Our traditional mas offers some insight into Grenada of the past and the passion of the Vecour, Shortknee and Wild Indian players seem to intensify as the years go by. The phenomenon that is Jab Jab continues to baffle even Grenadians. The rest of the world was officially introduced to the Jab Jab and its accompanying music when Tallpree released his bigger than life hit "Ole Woman Alone". The distinctive sound of the conch shell resonates passionately through any Jab Jab themed song and any such composition is guaranteed to be a hit during Spicemas.

Grenada’s Soca Monarch competition is now the envy of the rest of the region. Sixteen of the hottest Artistes of the Carnival season, performing sixteen of the hottest soca tunes, accompanied by 10,000 screaming, rag and flag waving fans. No one leaves the until all the results are read out, because the winners are never obvious as all the Artistes enter the competition with a very good chance of walking away with the title. 

J’Ouvert could be heralded as the biggest street party of its kind anywhere in the region. Attire is not a difficult issue; shorts, sneakers and a t-shirt will suffice. Be prepared; however, to have that look altered during the course of Carnival Monday morning. Body paint of every shade forms part of the morning’s festivity and whether you are part of a registered band or just an onlooker, a very generous masquerader will be more than happy to make you appearance blend in with the celebratory surroundings. 

Grenada welcomes the world to the summer’s biggest celebration of mas, pan and calypso. The action kicks off on Saturday May 06th and runs through Tuesday August 15th 2006. Celebrating all things Grenadian - Spicemas 2006

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