The tri-island state of Grenada, Carriacou and Petite Martinique is set for another year of festivals, events and initiatives as it looks to welcome a record breaking number of travellers in 2023. From the 10th anniversary of the Chocolate Festival, which, this year becomes the Chocolate and Rum Festival, to the Dive and Conservation Festival there’s never been a better time to visit this hidden Caribbean gem.
Chocolate and Rum Festival, 16-21 May
2023 sees Grenada’s Chocolate Festival celebrate its 10th anniversary, with the festival expanding to incorporate the nation’s treasured drink – rum and offering more activities than ever before. Taking place from 16-21 May, the festival highlights the very best of Grenada’s chocolate. The festival is hosted by True Blue Bay Hotel, but activities will take place all over the island. Visitors will enjoy a four-day chocolate extravaganza complete with a chocolate and art workshop, chocolate wellness day, chocolate cooking class, rum distillery tour and rum making class and bartender competition.
Spicemas, 1-15 August
Spicemas festival is returning this August for an all-singing, all-dancing display of Grenadian culture. ‘Spicemas’ is a Grenadian expression in all its glory, this year taking place between 1-15 August. Brimming with pageantry and expression linked to the tri-Island’s African, French, British and Caribbean heritage, Spicemas Carnival is colourful, humorous and full of surprises. Calypsonians, steel pan orchestras, beauty contestants, ‘fancy mas’ bands and others will perform and parade to compete for Carnival honours. During the festival, travellers will be surrounded by locals in traditional dress, singing traditional songs and eating local food, all while celebrating Spicemas. Grenadians are immensely proud of these traditions, paying homage to their ancestors whilst celebrating their present. Each year, Grenadians and visitors alike all gather to watch, participate and enjoy the spectacle, and the festival provides yet another reason to visit the destination.
Dive and Conservation Festival, May 2023
For those looking to take their underwater experiences to the next level, 2023 will see Grenada welcome back its Dive and Conservation Festival. Those visiting for the festival can enjoy informative sessions and workshops led by local, regional and international environment and conservation experts. Topics of the sessions throughout the week will range from biodiversity and ecosystems to education and research which will aid in building awareness of the incredible natural life that lives below the surfaces. Attendees will also have the opportunity to put their learnings into practice as they take to the waters to complete expert-led dives, clean ups and wildlife monitoring sessions.
Carriacou Regatta, 4-7 August
Carriacou, which is world-famous for its boat-building traditions, will welcome back its annual race, starting and ending in Hillsborough Bay. The festival initially came about in 1965, when local yachtsman, Linton Rigg, became concerned that the local boatbuilding industry was going to be eradicated by competition from cargo vessels, so he launched the week-long Carriacou Regatta in 1965 as a celebration of local boat-building craftsmanship. The main aim of the regatta is still to promote the art and beautiful craftsmanship that goes into the building of working boats, which has taken place on Carriacou for centuries. Over the years, the regatta has evolved into a major event, featuring various classes of vessels. Onshore activities throughout the event also attract locals and tourists alike, and include street parties, and delicious island cuisine, served up on the streets and white-sand beaches, as well as evening entertainment.
Carriacou Music Festival, 28-30 April
The Carriacou Maroon & String Band Music Festival, which is being held between 28-3o April this year, celebrates the African roots of Carriacou’s residents with three days of exciting musical activities, displays and workshops. This festival features a multitude of deeply-rooted traditions including the sharing and eating of different traditional foods, and musical displays using drums, songs and dances. The second day of the festival is usually dominated by a two-hour concert or string band display from Carriacou’s most popular musicians and bands. The final day of the festival is held at internationally acclaimed Paradise Beach, and culminates with a selection of string band music concerts and a varied menu of locally sourced and cooked dishes including feasts of fresh seafood, caught off of Carriacou’s own shores.
Grenada Rugby World 7s – 30 Nov – 2 Dec
Set to be hosted in Grenada for the second year in a row, the Grenada Rugby World 7s will take place between the 30 Nov – 2 Dec, this year. Following on from the success of last year’s tournament, the rugby event promises to bring about an action-packed schedule of exciting events and matches, including the addition of a men’s one-day veterans event, as well as a social 10’s tournament. The schedule of events for this year includes a range of exciting activities and experiences for both participants and spectators, including a beach bonfire, volleyball tournament, sightseeing excursions and a spice & craft market, just to name a few. Last year’s event attracted some elite rugby teams, in both the men and women’s divisions, with English team, the Lion 7’s, being crowned the champions of the tournament.
For more information about Grenada, please visit www.puregrenada.com
