By Carriacouman –
On the 7th February the vibrant island of Grenada celebrated its Golden Jubilee Anniversary of Independence! This provides a wonderful opportunity to delve into the heart of this enchanting island. Beyond its sun-kissed beaches and lush landscapes lies a tapestry of culture, history, and natural wonders.
Grenada is named Spice Island for good reason. It has a vast spice industry. Historically, nutmeg is the main export, but Hurricane Ivan decimated the crop in 2004. It is so essential that nutmeg even features on the national flag. However, it is not the only spice produced here. You can also find cinnamon, ginger, cloves, allspice, bay leaves, and turmeric among its primary produce.
A Tri-Island State:
Grenada is a nation that is made up of three islands: Grenada, Carriacou, and Petit Martinique.
Grenada
Grenada’s rich history is a vibrant blend of diverse influences, from its early Amerindian communities and the colonial powers of France and Britain to later African contributions. The island’s cultural tapestry, shaped by French, British, and African influences, reflects a unique heritage. The colonial legacy and the fusion of African and East Indian elements have deeply enriched Grenada’s identity, which is evident in its music, cuisine, and cherished traditions like carnival.
Grenada is named Spice Island for good reason. It has a vast spice industry. Historically, nutmeg has been the main export, but Hurricane Ivan decimated the crop in 2004. It is so vital that nutmeg even features on the national flag. However, it is not the only spice produced here. You can also find cinnamon, ginger, cloves, allspice, bay leaves, and turmeric among its primary produce.
Carriacou
Carriacou, a gem in the Caribbean known for its friendly, healthy, and safe environment, boasts Hillsborough as its sole town and capital, with Tyrell Bay serving as a vibrant hub for bars, restaurants, and the port authority, welcoming yachts and ferry travellers from Grenada. The island’s quaint villages, with over 100 rum shops, host a population of 8,000 and have ties to notable figures like former Prime Minister Sir Nicholas Braithwaite and Herbert Augustus Blaize. Carriacou’s stunning beaches, such as Paradise Beach and Anse La Roche, beckon locals and international visitors, especially yacht enthusiasts, while preserving traditional European dances like the Quadrille and the Big Drum dance for special occasions. The island’s rich history, derived from the Kalinago term ‘Kayryouacou’, showcases a blend of Arawak, European, and African influences, evident in its lifestyle, town names, and traditional wooden sloop boat-building craft inherited from Scottish settlers. Carriacou’s cultural wealth shines through in various celebrations and traditions, including the unique Shakespeare Mas, boat-launching events, traditional weddings, and culinary delights tied to historical and cultural festivals like Saraca, Tombstone Feast, Parang Festival, and the Maroon & String Band Music Festival.
Immersing oneself in Carriacou’s cultural tapestry unveils a treasure trove of customs and celebrations passed down through generations, combining African and European heritage. From engaging in the vibrant Big Drum Nation Dance to savouring traditionally smoked foods paired with rice and corn-based dishes, visitors experience a bygone era intertwined with modern festivities. The island’s Pierrot Mas tradition, originating from Mt. Royal, adds to its cultural allure, alongside the creativity showcased during Shakespeare Mas performances where locals recite lines from William Shakespeare. Carriacou’s charm lies not just in its picturesque landscapes and pristine beaches but in the warmth of its people and the preservation of its unique traditions, making it a sought-after destination for those seeking a blend of history, culture, and natural beauty in the heart of the Caribbean.
Petite Martinique
Petite Martinique, situated within the Carriacou and Petite Martinique islands of Grenada, spans 586 acres with a population of around 900 residents, making it smaller than Carriacou. Initially settled by Mr. Pierre from Martinique in the early 1700s, the island was predominantly used for sugarcane and cotton cultivation by him, his family, and their slaves. The largest village, Madame Pierre, pays homage to the French owner’s wife, reflecting the historical colonial influences on the island’s development.
The island’s pinnacle, the Piton, soaring at 750 feet, aThis peak also serves as the historic site of the traditional maroon feast known as the ‘Sugaring of the Piton,’ typically held on the morning of Saint Patrick’s Day, March 17th, accompanied by a maroon ceremony to welcome rain and a bountiful planting season. The ritual involves pouring rum and water on the designated spot, known as ‘Libation.’
Throughout its history, Petite Martinique has shifted between French and British colonial rule until becoming a dependency of Grenada in 1974. Presently, the island showcases a diverse population of Indian, Scottish, Portuguese, French, and African descent, with remnants of British colonial influence prevalent. While the local dialect is an English-based creole language, traces of the island’s French heritage remain evident, particularly in the naming of Madame Pierre village.
A Timeline of Grenada’s History
1498 – Christopher Columbus arrives at the islands, naming them Grenada after the Spanish city.
1650 – French settlers established a colony and found Saint George’s, the capital.
1783 – Grenada is ceded to Britain by France as per the Treaty of Versailles; enslaved Africans are brought in to work on plantations.
1795 – An unsuccessful rebellion against British rule occurs, led by Julien Fedon, inspired by the French Revolution.
1834 – Slavery is abolished.
1885–1958 – Grenada serves as the administrative headquarters of the British Windward Islands.
1950 – Eric Gairy founds the Grenada United Labour Party.
1974 – Grenada gains independence with Eric Gairy as prime minister.
1979 – PM Eric Gairy is ousted in a coup organised by the New Jewel Movement, led by Maurice Bishop, who strengthens ties with Cuba and the US.
1983 – Bishop is ousted and executed, leading to a US invasion; Herbert A Blaize becomes prime minister.
1995 – Keith Mitchell became prime minister after his party won general elections with a comfortable majority.
1999 – Prime Minister Keith Mitchell’s party wins a landslide in general elections, taking all 15 seats in parliament.
2004 – Grenada is devastated by Hurricane Ivan, with the island declared 90% destroyed.
2008 – The National Democratic Congress took a clear victory in elections, denying Keith Mitchell a fourth term in office, and Tillman Thomas became prime minister.
2013 – The opposition New National Party wins a landslide victory in parliamentary elections, with Keith Mitchell returning as prime minister.
2022 – Dickon Mitchell’s National Democratic Congress wins the June general election.
Five Fun Facts About Grenada:
The World’s First Underwater Sculpture Park
Grenada boasts the world’s inaugural underwater sculpture park, showcasing more than 70 sculptures across an 800-square-meter seabed area. National Geographic has honoured this site, including it in their prestigious list of the 25 Wonders of the World. A journey to this park immerses you in a different realm altogether.
It’s a Divers Dream
A lesser-known fact about Grenada is that it hosted the largest shipwreck in the region. Renowned experts rank it among the top ten wreck dive sites globally, making it a must-visit for passionate scuba divers. Dubbed the “Titanic of the Caribbean,” the Bianca C, a luxurious Italian cruise liner, met tragedy in October 1961 when a significant boiler room explosion occurred. Residents heroically rescued around 700 passengers and crew using their fishing boats. Additionally, the community established a makeshift hospital to tend to the wounded and opened their homes to shelter the survivors.
Leatherback Turtles Nest There
Witnessing an animal in its natural habitat is both exhilarating and a privilege. Observing an endangered species giving life is a profound honour. Leatherback turtles, the fourth largest reptile worldwide, are critically endangered in this region. Female turtles exhibit remarkable behaviour: they return to the beach they were born on to lay their eggs. This incredible journey sees them swim over 10,000 miles to Levera Beach in Grenada, where they nest under the cover of night.
It has a bottomless lake.
One of the most intriguing aspects of Grenada can be found in the heart of the island at Grand Etang National Park. This verdant park encircles the focal point of Grand Etang Lake. Rumour has it that the lake’s deepest point remains undiscovered, leading to the legend of its bottomless nature. Local lore speaks of a mermaid residing in its depths, purportedly luring men to their demise.
The best chocolate in the world
Following Hurricane Ivan(2004), cocoa has emerged as Grenada’s primary agricultural export. Belmont Estate stands out as an ideal destination to discover the journey of cocoa transformation into some of the finest chocolate globally. With dedication, they cultivate, gather, ferment, dry, age, and meticulously process the beans. Infused with distinctive flavours, they craft a premium line of organic, single-estate chocolate in limited quantities. This exclusivity ensures that Belmont Estate chocolate is available solely in Grenada.