It’s time to get your costume ready, because the start of Spicemas is just around the corner – and that means colourful fun coming your way across the heart of Grenada and beyond. Whether you’re planning to take part in the fun or simply want some advice on how to get around during the big events, you’ve come to the right place.
The big dates for the carnival this year fall on August 11th and August 12th, though it’s a ten-day extravaganza you’re going to want to experience from the very start – and Spicemas season actually starts up in April, with a few fetes and a mas parade to look forward to before the summer really starts to unfold.
Spicemas is a huge celebration across the island – meaning that, for at least the next few months, you’ll need to take into account a few transport essentials.
So, here’s what you need to know about planning a trip to Grenada around carnival time, how to get around, and other things you might need to plan for.
When should you travel to Grenada for the 2025 carnival?
Spicemas this year falls on August 6th, meaning you’ll want to book flights out here before the big rush at the height of summer (that is, of course, unless you’re already here!).
Of course, as mentioned, the festivities are already opening up in April – meaning if you want to take it all in, we recommend checking out flights from international operators as soon as you can.
That said, planning ahead for Spicemas is crucial – simply because plane tickets and hotel rooms go fast. We recommend you start booking as soon as you read this – and, keep in mind that hurricane season will start up from June, meaning flights may be affected from the start of the summer onwards.
What’s the best way to get around during carnival season?
You can, of course, buy or rent a car to explore the island ahead of carnival season – and you might well find the second-hand car of your dreams here at Island Motors – but for ease, if you want to dive into the carnival scene, it’s probably worth checking out one or two taxi firms for the best possible prices.
To get access to the best local taxis in Grenada if you don’t want to drive around Spicemas, we suggest you download the Haylup app, which is the island’s premier ride-sharing service.
Keep in mind, too, that the majority of the parade and carnival action will take place in the heart of St. George. If you want somewhere to park up and stay around the area, take a look at popular resorts such as the Royalton, the Radisson, the Spice Island Beach Resort, and Mount Cinnamon.
How much will transportation cost?
That all depends on the options you choose! Getting around the island during carnival season in a taxi will likely incur higher fees than usual for obvious reasons. If you’re staying for Spicemas week, we recommend reserving $400-$500 if possible, if you want to take it all in.
Hiring or buying a car for you to drive outright is a different matter! If you’re moving to Grenada, it’s altogether cheaper for you to purchase a second-hand car – and again, that’s where Island Motors can help. You’ll need to take into account the cost of fuel and parking, of course!
Renting cars in and around Grenada will also vary in terms of cost, but can be more cost-effective than relying on other drivers during the carnival period. We’d certainly recommend you consider renting over hiring a taxi if you can drive, purely for the overhead savings.
How can I check traffic?
It’s pretty safe to say that at the height of the carnival season, traffic is going to be seriously heavy. Therefore, if you are planning to drive in a rented car or your own vehicle, we recommend you consider the potential queues before you make a beeline for certain events and venues.
Naturally, one of the best resources at your fingertips is Google Maps, which you can download for iOS and Android – and which updates traffic congestion and potential diversions based on satellite data. You’ll easily see blocked-up areas as they’ll be highlighted in red.
Beyond Google Maps, it’s also a good idea to check out details from the Royal Grenada Police Force, or RGPF, nearer to the time you intend to travel. Ahead of time, the RGPF lets the public know of any road closures that will impact travel, too, meaning you’re always one step ahead when it comes to diversions.
From there, it’s also worth checking out the RGPF’s Facebook page, where the force updates users on any major changes and any particularly concerning traffic issues. You could risk checking out the queues and the congestion yourself – but ultimately, it’s better to go prepared.
When it comes to travelling around Grenada during carnival season, focus on having a few backup plans! The last thing you’ll need is to be caught up in road chaos during one of the boldest, brightest times of the year – take our tips in mind from this article, and watch out for the latest traffic developments closer to the time.