Spicemas 2026: The Complete Guide to Grenada's Carnival
Spicemas is the biggest thing that happens in Grenada all year. For a few days in August, the whole island moves to soca, the roads fill with mas, and people fly home from London, New York, and Toronto just to be here for it. If you are planning to come, or you are already here and want to do it right, this is your guide. We will keep it updated all the way through the season, so bookmark it.
What is Spicemas
Spicemas is Grenada's carnival. Grenada is the Spice Isle, and the name is a nod to that. It is part street party, part deep cultural tradition. You get the modern side, the fetes and the soca monarch competitions, and you get the old side, the Jab Jab covered in oil and the Shortknee in their masks. Both live side by side, and that mix is what makes Spicemas feel different from any other carnival in the region.
When is Spicemas 2026
Spicemas 2026 runs from August 1 to August 11, with the season's biggest moments in the final week.
| Date | Event |
|---|---|
| August 7 (Friday) | Soca Monarch Finals (Power + Groovy) — National Stadium |
| August 8 (Saturday) | Panorama (Pantastic Saturday) — National Stadium, 8 PM · All-inclusive fetes |
| August 9 (Sunday) | Dimanche Gras — National Stadium, 8 PM · Calypso Monarch · Carnival Queen |
| August 10 (Monday) | J'ouvert from ~3 AM · Monday Night Mas |
| August 11 (Tuesday) | Parade of the Bands — the grand finale |
Carnival Monday (August 10) and Carnival Tuesday (August 11) are public holidays. If you are travelling in, book early. Flights and rooms around carnival week go fast, and the diaspora books months ahead. Our guide on where to stay walks through the areas.
The events you do not want to miss
Here is the shape of the final week. Each one has its own guide with the details.
- J'ouvert — August 10, from around 3 AM. The pre-dawn start to Carnival Monday. Paint, oil, and soca in the dark before the sun comes up. It is raw and it is the real thing. See our J'ouvert guide.
- Jab Jab. Grenada's own. Bodies covered in black oil, horns, chains, and chant. Strongest at J'ouvert. If you see one thing at Spicemas, make it this. Read what Jab Jab is and where to see it.
- Soca Monarch Finals — August 7, National Stadium. Power Soca and Groovy Soca Monarch on the same night. Full production, pyrotechnics, deep into the night. Details in our shows guide.
- Panorama + all-inclusives — August 8. Pantastic Saturday at the National Stadium (8 PM) for the steel band competition, then the fetes. The biggest all-inclusive parties of the season are this night. See the fete calendar as promoters confirm.
- Dimanche Gras — August 9, National Stadium, 8 PM. Calypso Monarch, Carnival Queen, and King & Queen of the Bands. It ends at 3 AM — and then J'ouvert begins.
- Monday Night Mas — August 10 evening. Neon masqueraders on the road after J'ouvert, dancing to soca behind music trucks.
- Parade of the Bands — August 11. Carnival Tuesday. The grand finale. Full feathered costumes, the road, and the last big push.
The fete calendar
We keep a running list of every Spicemas 2026 fete as promoters confirm them.
[[PLACEHOLDER: fete list. Populate from Amy's content list and official sources. Post each confirmed fete as a What's New event so it earns an event rich result, then link it here.]]
For the full running list, see the fete calendar.
Where to eat, stay, and get around
Coming for carnival is also just coming to Grenada, and Grenada is worth the trip on its own.
- Eat. Oil down is the national dish, and you will want to try it. Our guide covers where to eat during Spicemas.
- Stay. From St. George's to Grand Anse, here is where to stay and how close each area puts you to the action.
- Get around. Buses, taxis, and car rental, plus the road closures during the parade. See getting around Grenada.
First time at Spicemas
If this is your first one, read the first-timer guide. It covers what to pack, how to handle J'ouvert, and how to pace yourself so you are still standing on Tuesday.
Quick answers
When is Spicemas 2026? The festival runs August 1–11. Carnival Monday is August 10, Carnival Tuesday is August 11. Both are public holidays. J'ouvert opens Carnival Monday from around 3 AM.
Is Spicemas family-friendly? Parts of it, yes. The daytime shows and the Parade of the Bands are for everyone. The late fetes and J'ouvert are grown-folk events.
What is Jab Jab? Grenada's traditional oil mas. Bodies in black oil, chains, and horns. Full explainer here.
What should I pack? Light, comfortable clothes you do not mind getting paint or oil on for J'ouvert. Closed-toe shoes on road. Cash in EC dollars. A small waterproof bag. See the first-timer packing list for everything.
Is it safe? Spicemas is a community celebration and the crowd is largely local and diaspora Grenadian. Basic carnival sense applies: stick with your group, keep valuables minimal, stay hydrated. J'ouvert is the most physical event; read the J'ouvert guide before you go.
Can I attend just part of it? Yes. You do not have to do every fete and every day. Many visitors do J'ouvert and the Parade of the Bands and call that a complete Spicemas. Others come for the shows only. Do what fits your trip.
How much does Spicemas cost? Cooler fetes from about EC$40–80. All-inclusives from EC$150–300. Shows vary. J'ouvert itself is free to join on the road. The first-timer guide has a rough daily budget.
Do I need to book anything in advance? Your accommodation, yes — see where to stay. For all-inclusive fetes, yes. Cooler fetes and street events you can usually walk up to.
This guide is updated through the Spicemas season. Last updated: [[DATE]].