When Grenada turns up, the whole island really turns up. And there’s no better example than Spicemas—our national carnival and cultural explosion that takes over the island every August.
If you’re heading to the island for an awesome scuba or snorkeling adventure with Dive Grenada, you’re already in paradise—but when you add Spicemas to the mix? That’s a full-blown fantasy come to life. This isn’t just another Caribbean carnival. It’s oil-streaked, soca-fueled, costume-crowned chaos in the best possible way.
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Here’s everything you need to know to dive into the madness headfirst and come out smiling, sun-kissed, and dancing.
WHEN & WHERE IT ALL UNFOLDS
Carnival Season: August 1–12, 2025
The Spicemas calendar builds like a bass drop—from early warm-up fetes at the start of August to the massive grand finale on Carnival Monday and Tuesday. If you’re planning a trip, aim to arrive by the 8th so you’re in place for the high-voltage events.
Main Hotspots:
• St. George’s: The capital city and absolute epicenter of Spicemas energy. Parades, fetes, and madness galore.
• Grenada National Stadium: Hosts the Dimanche Gras, Calypso Monarch, and massive nighttime events.
• Melville Street to Tanteen (Carnival Route): The official parade route where the bands strut their stuff.
• Pearls Airfield, Progress Park, and Cuthbert Peters Park: These regional hubs keep the carnival buzz alive across the island.
PARTY, PARADE & PLAY: EVENT BREAKDOWN
Dimanche Gras – August 10
Sunday night’s all about pageantry and performance. Expect larger-than-life costumes, steelpan brilliance, and the Calypso Monarch competition. This is your high-drama, big-spectacle moment. Bring a portable fan and a portable charger—you won’t stop filming.
J’Ouvert Morning – August 11 (4AM sharp!)
Grenada goes primal. You’ll see devils drenched in motor oil, horned headpieces, and paint flying everywhere. It starts in the dark with drums pounding and soca blaring from trucks. You will get messy, you will dance, and you will feel transformed.
ProTip: Don’t wear anything you ever want to see again.
Fancy Mas – August 12
This is the beautiful, glittery heart of Spicemas. Think feathers, sequins, endless color, and vibes for days. Masqueraders hit the road for an epic street parade, dancing from morning into evening. It’s Instagram gold—and a true celebration of Grenadian artistry.
The Coral Carnival – Dive Into an Underwater Mas with Dive Grenada
Need a breather from the paint and parade? Swap your costume for fins and experience a different kind of masquerade beneath the waves. Dive Grenada offers guided dives and snorkel tours to the world’s first Underwater Sculpture Park—a living gallery of coral-clad art just off Grand Anse.
It’s like a carnival frozen in time, where sea life and sculptures move together in silent rhythm. Perfect for a reset, a mind-blowing photo op, or just to see a side of Grenada that most carnival-goers never do. Your soul will thank you.
Fetes, Live Shows, and Cooler Parties (All Week Long!)
The pre-carnival lead-up is packed with options:
• Soca Monarch Finals: The island’s top artists battle for bragging rights—and your wildest dance moves. (HotTip: Don’t miss Divemaster Zhane’s sister perform, and probably win… we will be talking about it on the boat for the rest of the month)
• Pree Day, White in the Moonlight, Bacchanal Friday: High-octane fetes with enough bass to rattle your bones.
Pro tip: Nap when you can. You’re gonna need your energy.
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WHAT TO PACK FOR MAXIMUM FUN: Spicemas isn’t just about showing up—it’s about showing up ready.
Here’s what you’ll want in your bag:
Costume + Play Clothes
• For J’ouvert: Old clothes (preferably dark-colored), bandana or headwrap, and swimwear underneath. You will be doused in paint and oil. It’s part of the joy.
• For Fancy Mas: If you’re jumping with a band, your costume will be handled—but bring backup clothes for afterward.
Essentials Kit:
• Reef Safe Sunscreen: The Caribbean sun doesn’t mess around.
• Sunglasses & Hat: Look good, stay shaded.
• Reusable Water Bottle: Hydration is survival.
• Mini Snacks: Think energy bars and fruit to keep your stamina up.
The Right Shoes
Leave the sandals at home. This is road marching. You want sneakers that can take a beating (50,000+ steps, jumps, and dance moves if your marching) but keep your feet happy for miles of dancing.
Cleanup Tools:
• Baby wipes
• Small towel
• Ziplock bags for dirty clothes
• Extra plastic bag for your shoes (trust us)
Cash & Phone Safety:
• Bring small bills (Eastern Caribbean dollars or USD) for food vendors and drinks.
• A waterproof pouch with a strap is gold—keeps your phone safe and your hands free to wave and wine.
Pro tip: Pace yourself. You’ll need endurance for this level of joy.
SMART TIPS TO THRIVE, NOT JUST SURVIVE: Let’s be real—Spicemas is next-level.
Here’s how to stay ahead of the game:
Book Early or Cry Later
Hotels, Airbnbs, and and fun activities like diving get snapped up fast. Lock your plans in by March if you want solid options near St. George’s.
Know Your Transport Moves
• Ride-shares like HaylUp work well, but they get busy during peak times.
• Pre-arrange taxis or team up with other travelers. We always recommend Ashton’s Taxi and Tours to our guests as they have repeatidly proven to be honest, punctual, and friendly!
• Renting a car is an option, but parking on big parade days is almost as wild as driving here! Walk when you can.
After the paint wars and parade hype, give yourself a breather. Explore:
• Grand Anse Beach for a float in calm waters.
• Annandale Falls for a nature reset.
• The Underwater Sculpture Park with Dive Grenada for an unreal scuba experience you won’t find anywhere else.
Pro Tip: Respect the Culture, Join the Movement! Spicemas isn’t just a party. It’s rooted in resistance, creativity, and freedom. Respect the traditions, be kind to locals, and immerse yourself with heart.
WHY SPICEMAS IS PURE VIBES
Spicemas is everything at once: joyful chaos, cultural pride, music that shakes your bones, and a community that knows how to celebrate life with no holding back. Whether you’re rolling in mud with the Jab Jabs or strutting in sequins with the Fancy Mas bands, one thing’s for sure—you won’t leave the same.
Grenada invites you to dance, to laugh, to jump up and lose yourself in something bigger. And when you need to cool off, the Dive Grenada team has your spot in the sea waiting.
