Festivals in Grenada
Filled with an amazing culture and unique traditions, Grenada, Carriacou and Petite Martinique boast a variety of festivals year-round. Sailors travel from all over the world to experience the island’s sailing festivals and regattas while others come to the Spicemas Festival – Grenada’s premier cultural event. Take a look below to see which festival suits you best.
GRENADA DRUM FESTIVAL
In the northeastern part of Grenada, almost on the boundary between the parishes of St. Andrew and St. Patrick lies the rural community of Tivoli. With a rich history in drumming, it is home to the Tivoli Drummers and the natural birthplace of the Grenada Drum Festival. Founded in 1995 with the goal of spreading the Drum Culture, the Tivoli Drummers have developed a unique style of choreographed drumming that is not seen elsewhere.
The idea for the Grenada Drum Festival was born when Livingston Krumah Nelson, the Director of the Tivoli Drummers visited Guadeloupe in 2000 and witnessed the festival of the drums referred to as Gwoka. The Drum Festival Committee was formed in January 2001, and the first Drum Festival was held. The festival site is usually transformed into a cultural village featuring traditional drumming and dancing. Visitors and locals will have the opportunity to sample and enjoy Grenadian dishes and delights and also view local arts.
CARRIACOU REGATTA
The love of the sea, boat building skills passed through generations and a natural inclination to compete have made the Carriacou Regatta one of the most excitingly diverse in the Caribbean. The event attracts competitors from around the world with work boats, racing boats, sailing boats and yachts. The three-day event takes place the first weekend in August, and features the Miss ‘Aquaval’ Pageant and other onshore activities and games, including the entertaining donkey race and greasy pole, and other sporting events.
GRENADA CHOCOLATE FESTIVAL
Celebrate chocolate Grenadian style and indulge yourself in a unique visitor experience with our pure, delicious organic chocolate and learn about the old fashioned and ethical way to grow organic cocoa. Thrill your taste buds on a journey of authentic chocolate discovery by learning chocolate tempering, molding and truffle making. Learn from Grenadian artisans how hand made, small batch, ethically produced, tree to bar chocolate is created.
Discover the aromas, flavors, scents and benefits of luxurious pure cocoa butter, savor the aroma of fresh herbs and cocoa teas, kick back and relax with your friends while you indulge in the coolest chocolate homemade ice cream and enticing desserts.
The 2017 theme will be “Honouring our Chocolate Roots”. Keep checking this page for when the 2017 schedule of events is announced.
ANNUAL GRENADA SAILING FESTIVAL
An internationally famous event, this Festival welcomes sailing captains and crews for some of the most exciting races and related activities. Headquartered at the Port Louis Marina, the annual four-day Festival commences at the end of January featuring international yacht racing from Grenada’s southern coast. Part of the Southern Caribbean Regatta Circuit, the celebrations extend to a second weekend for a popular Work Boat Regatta from Grand Anse Beach.
GRENADA SPICEMAS FESTIVAL
The premier cultural event, ‘Spicemas’ is Grenadian expression in all its glory, climaxing during the second Monday and Tuesday in August. Brimming with pageantry and expression linked to our African, French, British and Caribbean heritage, Carnival is colorful, humorous and full of surprises. Calypsonians, steel pan orchestras, beauty contestants, ‘fancy mas’ bands and others perform and parade to compete for Carnival honors. Grenadians gather to watch, participate and enjoy.
