Holiday Calendar for Grenada

In Grenada, salutations are an important part of daily etiquette. The country borrows many cultural traditions and societal norms from English and French customs. The events and festivals typically fall into three categories, cultural, musical, and sports.

Origin of name: it is probable that the name Grenada comes from the Spanish city of Granada, which means “pomegranate.” The island was named “Concepcion” by Christopher Columbus in 1498.

Grenada is famous for spices and is known as the "Spice Isle", being a major source of nutmeg, cloves, ginger, cinnamon, and cocoa. It is home to all three types of cocoa in the world. A popular breakfast drink on the island is cocoa tea, made from local cocoa and spices.

Grenada also boasts the oldest functioning water-propelled distillery in the Caribbean – River Antoine Rum Distillery.It is an island nation that is almost half covered with forests, yet it does not have any species of venomous snakes.

Leatherback turtles – the largest living species of reptile, dating back to the era of dinosaurs – can be seen on the beaches of Grenada.

The majority of events on Grenada seem to be boat races and regattas. The Carriacou Regatta in July and August. Carnival is the Caribbean’s signature celebration - on Grenada the celebration occurs in August. Drama, dance, and music are popular, and performances sometimes occur during festivals and at small theaters.

The Grenada Jazz Festival in June or The Pure Grenada Music Festival– the annual live music event which has become a staple on the entertainment calendar for Grenadians and music lovers regionally and internationally.

The capital, St. George’s, on the southwest coast, is also the main port, having a fine natural harbour, and its picturesque pastel-coloured houses rise up the hillsides from the waterfront. Although English is the accepted language, a form of patois is still spoken by older people in the villages.