Spicemas Grenada: A Local's Guide to Carnival
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August in the Spice Isle
Every August, Grenada comes alive for Spicemas, our carnival and one of the most exciting in the Caribbean. This guide explains the big days for first-timers, and how Tour De Spice gets you to every fete, parade and J'ouvert morning safely.
Spicemas 2027 dates
Spicemas 2027 builds through early August and peaks on Carnival Monday, (J'ouvert, Pageant and Monday Night Mas) and Carnival Tuesday, (Parade of the Bands). Carnival Monday and Tuesday always fall on the second Monday and Tuesday of August.
The Spicemas Corporation publishes the full event calendar each spring; we'll update this page then.
The big days, explained
EventWhenWhat it is
- Soca Monarch & Panorama
- The weekend before Carnival
- The island's top soca artists and steel bands compete for the crown
- Dimanche Gras
- Carnival Sunday night
- The calypso finals and King & Queen of the Bands show
- J'ouvert
- Carnival Monday, before dawn
- Jab jab time: oil, paint, drums and dancing through the streets until sunrise. Wear clothes you'll throw away
- Pageant
- Carnival Monday, daytime
- Costumed bands parade across the judging stage
- Monday Night Mas
- Carnival Monday night
- Glow-in-the-dark costumes and lights through St. George's
- Parade of the Bands
- Carnival Tuesday
- The grand finale: thousands of masqueraders in full costume
Tips from local guides
- Book transport early. Roads close and taxis disappear during the big events.
- For J'ouvert: old clothes, closed shoes, a waterproof phone pouch, and a small bag for your valuables that you don't mind getting dirty.
- Stay hydrated and pace yourself. The fetes run late and start early.
- Stick with your crew and agree on a meeting point before you head into the crowd.
- Respect the mas: ask before photographing masqueraders up close.
Spicemas with Tour De Spice
- Airport arrivals for you and your whole group, met and taken straight to your accommodation.
- Private transport to and from fetes, J'ouvert and the parade, with a driver on call.
- Party Bus nights for your crew during carnival week.
- Planned itineraries: we map out the week so you don't miss the events you came for.
- Spicemas packages combining transfers, transport and party bus nights.
Spicemas prices depend on your dates, group size and plans. Message us on WhatsApp for a quote. The earlier you book, the better.
Plan your carnival weekFrequently Asked Questions
As early as possible. Carnival week is our busiest time of year.
Yes. Arrange the time and meeting point with us in advance.
Yes, we've handled arrivals of up to 100 guests.
Yes, combining airport transfers, event transport and party bus nights. Contact us for options.