This is not your granny’s Mas. No! In Grenada, Mas is party time! (“Mas” is short for masquerade.) It’s Spice Mas!
Most of the celebrations take place during the first two weeks of August during Carnival. But you can create a Mas anytime you want. That’s the beauty of it! It ranges from gorgeous costumes to oily Jab Jabs.
During Carnival, lots of Grenadians living abroad come home to visit friends and family, so EVERYTHING gets booked up a year in advance. Flights, accommodations, rental cars, and even spots in the bands fill up quickly. Mas is celebrated all over the island, not just in St. George. Big Mas, Little Mas, and everything in between.
A Few of My Favorites
Jouvert Morning
Are you ready for the road?
Anyone and everyone can jump into this riot of a celebration. But you’d better get up early because it starts at 4 AM. You won’t need to set an alarm because if you’re anywhere nearby, you’ll hear it.
It helps to gather your friends for a few early morning tequila shots to get the party started. The Jab Jabs are out in full force! Covered in oil, dragging chains, and with mouths stained red from saltfish, the Jab Jabs rule. Don’t be afraid, though. They’re harmless, but they might rub some oil on you, so wear old clothes you don’t mind ruining.
Pretty Mas
Revelers parade through the streets in brilliantly colored costumes, feathers, and drink cups, dancing in front of, behind, and beside massive trucks blasting Soca music.
Grab your spot early because this is one of the most popular events. The bands make their way to the judges at the soccer field across from the port to show off their talent… or lack of it.
Those cups they’re wearing? They get filled with alcohol along the route. Then you know what happens? The revelers just keep reveling into the night. The next morning, you’ll find sparkles, feathers, and random bits of costumes scattered everywhere, as if a fox had raided the chicken coop.
Monday Night Mas
You can join a band and party behind the trucks with the cool kids. A band is simply a group of people dressed in the same costume. Local businesses like Carib Brewery sponsor bands, and you can buy a costume for around $50 USD.
That usually includes a T-shirt, a hat, some kind of light-up wand, and a cup. The cup? Yeah, that’s for free beer. The catch? You have to climb onto the truck to get a refill.
Monday Night Mas stretches for miles, and the view is spectacular!
So, are you ready for the roooooooaad?
Which one would you choose? Or would you do them all? Every size, shape, and age joins in the fun. Even Granny!
Want to learn more about the bands? Check them out here:
https://spicemasgrenada.com/monday-night-mas-bands/
