Grenada Spicemas

When is the 2026 Spicemas?

Spicemas will occur from August 1, 2026 to August 11, 2026.

Where is the Spicemas celebrated?

The Spicemas is celebrated on the island of Grenada.

What is Grenada Spicemas?

Spicemas is Grenada’s annual carnival and the island’s largest cultural festival, held every August. It celebrates the country’s rich heritage by blending African and Caribbean traditions through music, dance, costume design, and street celebrations. The festival brings together Grenadians from across the island and the diaspora, along with visitors from around the world, to experience the energy, creativity, and cultural pride that define the nation’s carnival season.

 

At the heart of Spicemas are the Carnival Monday and Tuesday street parades, where masqueraders in elaborate, colorful costumes dance through the streets to the sounds of soca, calypso, and steelpan. Bands present themed costume sections that showcase artistic expression and storytelling through design and performance. More than just a party, Spicemas is a powerful celebration of Grenadian culture, community, and tradition, making it one of the Caribbean’s most vibrant carnival experiences.

Montreal, Canada - July 7 2019: Happy montrealais dressing colorful dancing in Caribbean parade in downtown Montreal

What to Expect at Grenada Spicemas?

At Spicemas, expect high-energy street celebrations, vibrant music, and an island-wide festive atmosphere. Throughout the season, events like soca and calypso competitions, steelpan performances, and lively parties build excitement leading up to the main carnival days. When the celebrations peak, the streets fill with music trucks, dancing masqueraders, DJs playing nonstop soca, and vendors serving local food, creating an unforgettable Caribbean carnival experience.

Here are the highlights of Spicemas in Grenada:

Soca and Calypso Competitions

Engaging contests where local artists showcase their talent in energetic soca and witty calypso performances.

Colorful Costumes

Masqueraders adorn themselves in intricately designed outfits that often reflect cultural themes or current events, creating a visual feast for spectators.

Traditional Cuisine

Opportunities to indulge in authentic Grenadian dishes and culinary delights served at various food stalls and vendors throughout the festival grounds.

Community Celebration

A sense of unity and camaraderie among locals celebrating Grenada's rich heritage with enthusiasm and pride.

Carnival Monday and Tuesday Parades

Spectacular street processions filled with masqueraders donning elaborate costumes, accompanied by the infectious rhythms of steelpan and soca music.

Cultural Diversity

Themed bands representing diverse aspects of Grenadian culture, from historical narratives to modern interpretations, displayed through artistic expressions.

Grenada Spicemas 2026 Schedule

Traditional Mas Festival

Date: August 2, 2026
Location: Victoria, St. Mark, Grenada
Time: TBA

Traditional Mas Festival celebrates Grenada’s carnival heritage with traditional masquerade characters, music, and cultural performances.

Majestic Thursday

Date: August 6, 2026
Location: Kirani James Athletic Stadium, Queen’s Park, St. George’s, Grenada
Time: 8:00 PM – 2:00 AM

Majestic Thursday is Spicemas’ Queen Show, showcasing contestants through pageantry, talent, culture, and carnival presentation.

Bacchanal Friday

Date: August 7, 2026
Location: National Stadium, Queen’s Park, St. George’s, Grenada
Time: 8:00 PM – 3:00 AM

Bacchanal Friday brings the Groovy and Soca Monarch competition to the Spicemas stage, featuring high-energy performances from Grenada’s soca artists.

Pantastic Saturday

Date: August 8, 2026
Location: National Stadium, Grenada
Time: 8:00 PM – 12:00 AM

Pantastic Saturday is Spicemas’ Panorama event, celebrating steelpan music with live performances and competition energy.

Dimanche Gras

Date: August 9, 2026
Location: National Stadium, Queen’s Park, St. George’s, Grenada
Time: 8:00 PM – 3:00 AM

Dimanche Gras is one of Spicemas’ major stage events, featuring the Calypso Monarch competition and carnival presentations before the road celebrations begin.

J’ouvert

Date: August 10, 2026
Location: St. George’s and Grenville, Grenada
Time: 4:00 AM – 10:00 AM

J’ouvert opens Carnival Monday with early-morning street celebrations, traditional mas, music, and Grenada’s famous Jab Jab energy.

Pageant

Date: August 10, 2026
Location: St. George’s, Grenada
Time: 12:00 PM – 6:00 PM

Pageant brings masqueraders, traditional characters, music trucks, and Carnival Monday parade energy onto the streets of St. George’s.

Monday Nite Mas

Date: August 10, 2026
Location: St. George’s, Grenada
Time: 8:00 PM – 12:00 AM

Monday Nite Mas lights up the streets of St. George’s with glowing costumes, music trucks, and high-energy nighttime Carnival vibes.

Note: Changes to the schedule are beyond our control, so please check for updates before finalizing travel plans. 

How to Get to Grenada for Spicemas?

Grenada is easy to reach whether you’re coming from elsewhere in the Caribbean, North America, or internationally.

Ready to lock in your flights? Use the search tool above to compare fares and find the best deal for your Carnival trip.

Where Should You Stay During Spicemas in Grenada?

The best areas to stay for Spicemas are St. George’s and Grand Anse — the J’ouvert, Monday Night Mas, and Parade of the Bands all move through the capital’s streets, while Grand Anse puts you on the island’s most beautiful beach strip with easy access to fetes, food, and the main Carnival zones.

Recommended Hotels:

Use the above map to find and book stays near the Carnival parade route!

How to Get Around Grenada During Spicemas?

Getting around Grenada during Carnival is easy thanks to the island’s small size and short travel times between St. George’s and the main event areas.

What Else Can You Do in Grenada During Spicemas?

Relax on the golden sands of Grand Anse Beach, explore the colorful streets of St. George’s, or hike through the lush trails of Grand Etang National Park for waterfalls and crater lakes. Dive into local culture at Fort George or tour a spice estate to see why Grenada is the Spice Isle. When night falls, the rhythm carries on in True Blue and along Lance Aux Epines, where soca and spice-infused vibez take over.

Here’s how to keep the Spicemas vibez alive in Grenada:

Looking for More Carnival Travel Advice?

We’ve gathered some of our best Carnival travel blogs to help you plan for Spicemas / Grenada Carnival and other festivals worldwide: