Festivals
Easter is a time for lots of events, both religious and otherwise. There are dinghy races from Grand Anse to the Yacht Club, a kite flying competition at the old Pearls airport, with music, food and drink, and other activities.
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Carnival takes place over the second weekend in August, although some preliminary events and competitions are held from the last week in July, with calypsos, steelbands, dancing, competitions, shows and plenty of drink. The Sunday night celebrations, Dimanche Gras, continue into Monday, J’Ouvert; Djab Djab Molassi, who represent devils, smear themselves and anyone else (especially the smartly dressed) with black grease. On Monday a carnival pageant is held on the stage at Queen’s Park and on Tuesday the bands parade through the streets of St George’s to the Market Square and a giant party ensues. For information on playing Mas with a band contact Derrick Clouden (T4402551) or Wilbur Thomas (T4403545) of the Grenada Band Leaders Association. During Carnival it is difficult to find anywhere to stay and impossible to hire a car unless booked well in advance.
Also in August, over the first weekend, are the Carriacou Regatta (see above) and the Rainbow City cultural festival in Grenville which goes on for about a week. Carriacou celebrates its carnival at the traditional Lenten time, unlike Grenada. It is not spectacular but it is fun and there is a good atmosphere.
Throughout the island, but especially at Gouyave, the Fisherman’s Birthday is celebrated at the end of June (the feast of Saints Peter and Paul); it involves the blessing of nets and boats, followed by dancing, feasting and boat races. Independence Day is 7 February.
Grenada holds a Spice Jazz Festival in May, with lots of music, cooking, sports.
Public Holidays
New Year’s Day (1 January), Independence Day (7 February), Good Friday and Easter Monday, Labour Day (1 May), Whit Monday (in May/June), Corpus Christi (June), August holidays (first Monday and Tuesday in August) and Carnival (second weekend in August), Thanksgiving (25 October), 25 and 26 December.
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