Spicemas 2027 Guide: How to Plan Your Trip to Grenada Carnival

Last Updated on November 7, 2026 by Lady Chin

Spicemas, aka the Best Mas by Far, has captured my heart in ways I never expected! So much so that I returned to Grenada for another year of fun, culture, and pure bacchanal. 

After playing mas at several smaller Caribbean carnivals, I think it’s officially safe to say: I’m a small-island carnival girlie! And Grenada has easily become one of my favorite islands.

Since 2026 was my second year playing mas in Grenada, I went into the trip with a much better understanding of how to plan for Spicemas, what to book early, where to stay, which events I wanted to prioritize and, most importantly, where I could save some coins.

So if Spicemas 2027 is calling your name, I’ve put together everything you need to start planning your trip, especially if this will be your first time. From flights and accommodations to mas bands, fetes, packing, budgeting, and exploring beyond Carnival, consider this your starter guide to planning an unforgettable trip to Greenz!

Let’s get into it!

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Spicemas 2027 Key Dates

Important: Event dates and schedules are subject to change, so always confirm details with official Spicemas sources before your trip.

How Long Should You Stay for Spicemas?

If your schedule allows, I recommend spending at least 7–8 days in Grenada so you can enjoy the major Carnival events without feeling like you’re constantly rushing from one thing to the next.

If you also want time to explore Grenada, or take a day trip to Carriacou or Petite Martinique, consider adding a few extra days before or after Carnival.

Short on PTO? I’d prioritize arriving before Soca Monarch, so you’re on the island for the biggest weekend leading into J’ouvert, Monday Mas and Fancy Mas.

And remember: you do NOT need to attend every single event to have an amazing Spicemas. We’ll talk more about that later. 

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Grenada: Important Things to Know

Before you start booking, here are a few helpful things to know about Grenada.

• Currency:  The Eastern Caribbean dollar (XCD) is the official currency and is pegged to the U.S. dollar. U.S. cash is also widely accepted. I recommend keeping some cash on you for taxis, local vendors, and smaller purchases rather than relying entirely on cards.
• National dish:  Oil down! Grenada’s national dish is a hearty one-pot meal traditionally made with ingredients such as breadfruit, coconut milk, callaloo, dumplings, and meat or fish. You cannot come all the way to Grenada without trying it!
• Outlets:  Grenada primarily uses Type G outlets—the same three-prong plug used in the UK. Pack a universal travel adapter.
• Getting around: Haylup is a local ride-hailing service comparable to Uber or Lyft. I used Haylup a few times to run errands and found it convenient and efficient. Taxis and private drivers will also be your best friends during Carnival.
• Camouflage: Leave the camo at home. Camouflage clothing is prohibited for civilians in Grenada.

Getting to Grenada

Fly into Maurice Bishop International Airport (airport code: GND).

Depending on where you’re traveling from, you may find a direct flight or need to connect through another Caribbean island.

Once you arrive, taxis are available outside the airport. Grand Anse, St. George’s, Morne Rouge and Lance aux Epines are all relatively close to the airport, although travel time will depend on traffic and your exact destination.

And when you find a reliable taxi driver you vibe with, exchange numbers! Having someone you can WhatsApp throughout Carnival makes getting around much easier.

Lady Chin Travel Tip: If you’re flying a regional carrier with a connection, pack your Carnival essentials, costume accessories, and at least one or two fete outfits in your carry-on.

Delayed luggage is a very real possibility, and Carnival is NOT waiting for your suitcase to arrive. 

Where to Stay During Spicemas

Book early! Accommodations fill up quickly for Spicemas, especially as Carnival gets closer.

For first-time visitors, you’ll want convenient access to beaches, restaurants, supermarkets, transportation, fetes and events, I recommend looking in:

• Grand Anse
• St. George’s
• Morne Rouge
• Lance aux Epines

If you’re traveling with friends, also consider booking an apartment or villa. Splitting the cost can make accommodations significantly more affordable, and having access to a kitchen can help you save money on food.

Hotels & Apartments to Consider:

Hotels & Resorts

• Allamanda Beach Resort
• Coyaba Beach Resort
• Radisson Grenada Beach Resort
• Siesta Hotel
• Royalton Grenada
• True Blue Bay Resort

Luxury

• Mount Cinnamon Beach Resort
• Silversands Grand Anse
• Villa Kaya

Apartments

• Bougainvillea Apartments
• Belview Apartments
• Le Maison Apartments-Gran Anse
• Silver View Apartments

I stayed at Bougainvillea Apartments for two weeks and found the apartment and location a convenient base for my trip.

Lady Chin Tip: Sold out doesn’t always mean sold out forever!

Contact the hotel or apartment directly and ask to join its cancellation list. People cancel reservations more often than you’d expect, so it never hurts to ask!

Playing Mas at Spicemas

For me, playing fancy mas (aka pretty mas) is an essential part of the Carnival experience.

There’s something so freeing about being on the road with your friends, singing at the top of your lungs, dancing for hours, and simply celebrating life.

Every mas band has its own theme, costume designs, and road experience, so take some time to research your options and choose a band that fits your Carnival style and budget.

If this is your first Carnival, you’ll also see terms like frontline and backline when choosing costumes. Frontline costumes are generally more elaborate and may include additional feathers or accessories, while backline options tend to be simpler and less expensive.

Costume registration usually opens months before Carnival, and popular bands or sections can sell out. Once you know which band you want to play with, follow them on social media so you don’t miss costume launches and registration announcements.

Spicemas Bands:

• Vibe Mas Carnival
• Golden Mas Band
• Oro Luxury Carnival
• Lavish the Band
• Tipsy D’Band
• Soleil Carnival
• Peter Bain & Associates

This is not an exhaustive list. For more fancy mas bands, check them out here and keep in mind participating bands can change from year to year.

My Pick: Vibe Mas

I played frontline with Vibe Mas in the HOOD section and LOVED my experience!

My costume, complimentary Monday wear, and Monday Night Mas package cost approximately $900.

And the road experience? Vibe Mas delivered the vibes! DJ Ovadose did his thingg!

If you’re considering playing with Vibe Mas, check out my full first-timer review.

Spicemas Fetes & Must-Attend Cultural Events

The fetes leading up to Carnival are half the fun!

You’ll find everything from boat rides and premium all-inclusives to cooler fetes, brunches and J’ouvert parties.

Personally, I like mixing up my schedule rather than attending the same type of party every day.

Some events I attended or considered included:

Boat Rides

• BEND
• Strut
• Fleet
• Silent Morning
• Rum Boat
• Uck Work
• Soca State of Mind

Premium / All-Inclusive

• Ultra Black
• SShh
• Casamigos
• Brunch & Soca

Local Fetes

• Crave
• Pure White

J’Ouvert/ Wet Fete

• Wett

For cultural events, Soca Monarch is a must for me.

You’ll hear many of these artists and songs throughout your entire trip, and seeing the island come together to celebrate Grenadian artists and music made Soca Monarch one of my favorite and most memorable events.

I’d also make room for Dimanche Gras and the King & Queen competition if your schedule allows.

There are SO many fetes happening during Spicemas, so do your research and figure out which ones match your vibe and your budget.

You can buy many event tickets through Go2Fete, so download the app and keep an eye out for ticket releases and early-bird pricing.

Lady Chin Tip: DON’T OVERBOOK YOURSELF! Carnival FOMO is real, but you do not need to attend every fete to have ah time. Leave yourself some room to rest, explore Grenada and, most importantly, be spontaneous!

J’ouvert + Traditional Mas Characters: What You Should Know Before You Go

History and significance of Jab Jab
Jab Jab (from the French Creole diable diable, “devil devil”) is Grenada’s most iconic traditional mas. Its roots trace back to emancipation, when formerly enslaved Africans covered themselves in black oil, tar, or molasses to reclaim the image of the “devil” and mock the colonial planters who once oppressed them.

Today it’s a powerful symbol of resistance, freedom, and African heritage, and the heartbeat of Grenada’s J’ouvert.

J’ouvert is free to participate in
Unlike Pretty Mas bands, J’ouvert doesn’t require a costume package or band registration. Anyone can join the pre-dawn procession through the streets of St. George’s and other Parishes on Carnival Monday. Just show up in clothes you never plan to wear again and follow the music.

What should first-timers expect?
J’ouvert starts in the dark, often around 5 a.m., and runs until the sun is well up. Expect to be covered in oil, paint, or mud, whether you planned on it or not.

Leave valuables at your accommodation, wear closed-toe shoes you can throw away, protect your phone in a waterproof pouch, and grease your skin with vaseline and cover your hair beforehand to make cleanup easier.

Jab Jab
Jab Jabs are covered head to toe in black oil and often wear horns, chains, ropes, or helmets, sometimes carrying props like snakes or the heads of animals. They move in large groups to heavy drum rhythms and “jab” soca music, chanting and smearing oil as they go. The look is meant to be intimidating, and that’s the point.

Shortknee
Shortknee masqueraders wear loose, brightly colored costumes with knee-length pants, knee-high socks, and a wire or cloth mask, with small mirrors sewn onto the chest.

They travel in groups, chanting and tossing baby powder into the crowd. It’s one of Grenada’s oldest traditional mas characters and is especially beloved in Carriacou.

Vieux Corps / Vieux Croix
This “old body” mas features masqueraders in old, mismatched, or oversized clothing, often stuffed with pillows or padding. Men frequently dress as exaggerated women. It’s rooted in satire and humor, poking fun at social norms and public figures.

Apache / Wild Indian and other traditional portrayals
Wild Indian or Apache mas features elaborate costumes with feathers, headdresses, and bright colors, and performers may speak in a stylized “language” as part of the portrayal. 

Cultural context and respectful participation
Traditional mas characters are not just for show. Its living history tied to emancipation and Grenadian identity. Learn the meaning behind what you’re seeing, ask before photographing masqueraders up close, and respect when someone doesn’t want to be filmed.

If you choose to play Jab Jab, do it with an understanding of its roots. Expect to bathe in the oil, and don’t take offense when it happens. Most importantly, follow the lead of locals and enjoy it as a guest in their celebration.

What to Pack for Spicemas

Keep your packing simple and focus on the essentials.

Beach

• Swimsuits, cover-ups, sunglasses, flip-flops, water shoes, sunscreen, a beach bag or hat, a waterproof phone case, and a waterproof fanny pack.

On the Road

• Sunscreen, comfortable shoes, thigh bag, stockings, mints, tissues, and sunglasses.

Travel Essentials

• Universal adapter, AirTags, electrolytes, portable fan, portable charger, umbrella or poncho, you are visiting Grenada during rainy season!—and travel insurance.

J’ouvert

• Pack clothes and shoes you don’t mind ruining, plus a shower cap, head scarf, waterproof phone case, and waterproof fanny pack.
• I’d also pack Vaseline or baby oil to apply beforehand, which will help with removing the oil afterward.

Beauty

• Primer, lashes, skin tint, concealer, mascara, eyeshadow, and a GOOD setting spray.
• That Greenz heat is NOT playing with you!

Shop My Spicemas & Carnival Essentials

Things to Do Beyond Spicemas

Please don’t travel all the way to Grenada, especially if it’s your first time, to fete and play mas.

Leave some room to explore!

Grenada has so much to experience outside of Carnival, and adding a few non-Carnival activities will give you an entirely different appreciation for the island.

A few experiences I recommend:

• Try oil down
• Go to Saint George’s market 
• Visit Belmont Estate
• Take a Spice Foodie Tour
• Explore the island on an island tour
• Relax at Grand Anse Beach
• Take a day trip to Carriacou or Petite Martinique 
• Chase waterfalls at Annandale Falls, Seven Sisters, or Concord Falls
• Tour River Antoine Rum Distillery
• Snorkel the Underwater Sculpture Park
• Explore Grand Etang National Park
• Visit Fort Frederick

And please leave at least one day where you have absolutely NOTHING planned. Go to the beach. Wander around. Grab some food. Talk to people. See where the day takes you.

Some of my favorite travel memories happen when I’m not running from one event to another.

Where to Eat During Spicemas

One thing I will always appreciate about Grenada is the variety of food options available!

Outside of fetes and Carnival events, a few places I enjoyed include:

• 473 Flavours
• Boogie B’s Buss Up Shot Joint
• D’Bamboo at Mt. Parnassus Plantation — Saturday breakfast
• Dodgy Dock — especially Wednesday nights
• GrillMaster
• Knife & Fork Café-Bistro
• Lavo Lanes
• Patrick’s Local Homestyle Restaurant
• Prickly Bay Marina
• Chado Benny
• Savannah’s
• Umbrella’s Beach Bar

And yes, I went to KFC.

If you know, you know. Caribbean KFC is part of the experience! 

How Much Does Spicemas Cost?

My Two-Week Spicemas 2026 Cost Breakdown:

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These costs reflect my personal 2026 trip and are approximate. Your total will vary based on airfare, accommodation, costume, fetes, activities and spending habits.

How I Keep Carnival Costs Down

Carnival can get expensive QUICKLY, but there are ways to make it more manageable:

• Book early. Spicemas 2027 dates are already available, so start monitoring flights and accommodations early.
• Buy Early Bird fete tickets. If you already know you want to attend an event, buying early can save you money. Those small savings add up!
• Split accommodations and transportation. Traveling with friends can significantly reduce your costs.
• Take the local bus when it makes sense. I used Grenada’s local buses during my trip, and they’re significantly cheaper than relying entirely on taxis and private drivers.
• Eat at your all-inclusive fetes. You paid for it—EAT!  And if your accommodation has a kitchen, buying groceries and preparing some meals can also help keep food costs down.
• Pay your costume in fewer transactions. Multiple payments can mean multiple processing fees. If your budget allows, reducing the number of transactions can save you a little money.
• Rewear your clothes! Every Carnival outfit does NOT need to be brand new. Mix, match and repurpose pieces you already own.

And one of the biggest things that helped me?

I spread my Carnival expenses throughout the year.

I didn’t spend thousands of dollars all at once. Flights, accommodations, my costume, fêtes and other expenses were paid at different points throughout the year, which made the overall trip much more manageable.

My Two Cents for Your First Spicemas

A few final tips before you hit the road:

• Pack your Carnival essentials in your carry-on. Your checked bag may not arrive at the same time as you!
• Get an eSIM. I use Airalo when I travel. New users get 15% off by using this discount code: NEWTOAIRALO15
• Eat before you hit the road. A full stomach is your friend.
• PACE YOURSELF. Especially with Rivers. That local rum is NO JOKE!
• Hydrate, hydrate, hydrate. The Grenada sun is HOT.
• Embrace the rain. It may rain during a fete or even Carnival Monday and Tuesday. Keep dancing!
• Explore beyond Carnival. You’re in Grenada, known as the Spice Isle. Make time to actually experience it.

And finally…

HAVE AH TIMEEEE! 🇬🇩

They call Spicemas the Best Mas by Far, and after experiencing it more than once, I understand why so many people fall in love with this Carnival.

Between the music, fancy mas, J’ouvert, food, people, and pure energy on the road, Spicemas is so much more than a few days of fetes and pretty costumes. The cultural richness and traditions are what make the experience so special and exactly why I keep wanting to return to Greenz again and again.

If Spicemas 2027 is your first, I hope this guide makes planning your trip a little easier.

And hopefully….

I’ll see you on the road! 🇬🇩❤️💛💚

Official Spicemas & Grenada Travel Resources

Carnival schedules, band information, and event details can change, so always double-check official sources while planning your trip.

• Spicemas Corporation
• Pure Grenada

I’ll continue updating this Spicemas 2027 Planning Guide as new information, events, band launches, and Carnival details are announced.

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