Carnival Monday in Grenada

Public holiday and date

Grenada’s Cabinet Office lists Carnival Monday as a public holiday under the country’s Bank Holidays Act, Chapter 25. The holiday falls on the second Monday in August, with Carnival Tuesday following on the next day.[1][2]

The Cabinet Office’s calendar says that when a bank holiday falls on a Sunday, the following Monday is observed. Carnival Monday is scheduled for a Monday.[1]

A day of Spicemas

Grenada’s Spicemas Corporation describes Spicemas as Grenada’s Carnival and identifies J’ouvert, Traditional Mas and Monday Nite Mas as distinct features of the festival. The corporation is a statutory body responsible for promoting and organizing Spicemas and its official events.[3]

The day begins with traditional masqueraders, including Jab-Jabs and Ole Mas, whose portrayals can include social commentary on the past year. Spectators and masqueraders move to steel-band and DJ music; Fancy Mas bands also parade on Monday afternoon.[4]

Monday Nite Mas brings a parade of lights through St. George’s. The Spicemas Corporation describes masqueraders moving to local soca music in brightly coloured or neon garments with lighting instruments.[3]

Work and practical effects

The Embassy of Grenada describes Carnival Monday as a day off for the general population and says schools and most businesses are closed. It also reports that banks and most shops close for the holiday. Opening hours for individual businesses may vary.[5]

The Employment Act sets out some pay rules for work on public holidays: qualifying daily-paid workers who work on the working day before and after a public holiday are entitled to pay for the holiday. It also sets a higher minimum rate for overtime worked on a public holiday. These provisions do not mean every worker has the same pay arrangement.[6]

Visitors should check local transport and event information before travelling around St. George’s.[3][4]