Staying Safe at Spicemas, Fetes and Nights Out in Grenada

Spicemas, Grenada's carnival, peaks in the second week of August with J'ouvert at dawn on the Monday, Monday Night Mas and the Parade of Bands on the Tuesday, after weeks of fetes, calypso and soca competitions and Panorama. It is one of the best experiences the island offers, and it is generally good-natured. It is also crowded, hot, loud, often alcohol-fuelled and runs through the night, which is a combination that calls for planning.

The same applies, on a smaller scale, to fetes, beach parties and nights out in Grand Anse or Lance aux Epines throughout the year. This guide covers practical safety for revellers, from what to wear on J'ouvert morning to getting home at 3am.

J'ouvert and jab jab: what to expect

J'ouvert begins in the dark before dawn on Carnival Monday. Jab jab masqueraders, covered in black oil, molasses or mud and sometimes wearing horns and chains, take to the streets of St George's and other towns, along with bands covered in paint, powder and mud. Contact is part of the tradition: if you are on the road, expect to be smeared, hugged and covered, and assume that anything you wear or carry will be ruined.

Wear old clothes and shoes you can throw away, and keep jewellery and good sunglasses at home. Protect your phone in a waterproof pouch or leave it behind. Some revellers coat their skin with baby oil or petroleum jelly beforehand so that paint and oil wash off more easily. Avoid wearing contact lenses, as paint and oil in the eyes are common; bring a small bottle of clean water to rinse your eyes. If you do not want to be smeared, watch from a safe distance and away from the main route, and understand that the street belongs to the masqueraders that morning.

Crowds, heat and the road

Pace yourself. Carnival events run for hours in intense heat and humidity. Drink water between every alcoholic drink, eat properly before you go, and rest in the shade when you can.

Sun protection. The Parade of Bands on Tuesday happens in full daylight. Sunscreen, a hat and regular water make the difference between a great day and heat exhaustion.

Agree a meeting point. Phones die and networks overload in dense crowds. Agree a landmark meeting point and time with friends before setting off, such as a particular church or shop near the route.

Watch your step. Streets in St George's are steep, and the Carenage and Lagoon Road are crowded. Wear secure shoes, watch for open drains and step aside from trucks carrying music and bands.

Noise and crush. Music trucks are extremely loud and crowds bunch tightly where the route narrows. Keep away from the truck wheels, step to the side if the crowd starts pushing, and take ear plugs if you plan to follow a truck for hours.

Join a band. Many visitors take part through an organised mas band, which provides security, water, a drinks truck and a group to stay with. It is often the safest way to experience the parade.

Valuables and personal security

Pickpocketing and opportunistic theft increase in big crowds, as they do at carnivals and festivals anywhere in the world. Most revellers lose nothing, and a few simple precautions make you a much harder target:

• Carry only what you need: some cash, one card and a copy of your ID, in a zipped pocket or a pouch worn under clothing.
• Leave passports, spare cards and valuables in your accommodation's safe.
• Keep phones in a front pocket or waterproof pouch, not a back pocket or open bag.
• Be aware when someone bumps into you or creates a distraction, a classic pickpocket technique.
• Do not flash large amounts of cash when buying drinks or food from vendors.
• If something is stolen, report it to the police, who have a strong presence during Spicemas.

Drinks, fetes and nights out

Fetes and nights out in Grenada are usually friendly, but the same precautions apply as in any party destination. Watch your drink being made or opened, keep it in your hand, and do not accept drinks from strangers. Drink spiking is not commonly reported but can happen anywhere. If you or a friend suddenly feels much more drunk than expected, confused or unwell, get to a safe place, stay together and seek medical help.

Local rum is strong, and overproof rum is much stronger than most visitors are used to. Rum punches and mixed drinks can contain more alcohol than they taste. Never drive after drinking, and do not swim at night or after drinking, particularly at beach parties. Illegal drugs carry severe penalties in Grenada; accepting or buying them exposes you to legal and personal risk.

Beach parties deserve a word of their own. They are fun, but they take place on dark sand next to the sea, with alcohol and sometimes few organisers. Keep the group together, stay out of the water, and leave before the end rather than walking back along an empty beach.

Children and families at carnival

Spicemas is not only for adults. Children's Carnival Frolic, held before the main days, is designed for young masqueraders and their families, and many families watch the Tuesday Parade of Bands from the roadside. With children, choose a viewing spot with shade, an easy exit and access to toilets, away from the speakers on the music trucks, which are extremely loud. Ear defenders for young children are a good idea.

Dress children in bright colours so they are easy to spot, write a contact number on their arm or on a wristband, and agree what they should do if separated, such as standing still and finding a police officer. J'ouvert is best avoided with small children, given the crowds, the darkness and the oil and paint.

Getting home safely

Arrange transport home before you go out. Licensed taxis operate in Grand Anse and St George's, but at the end of a big event, demand outstrips supply and you may wait a long time. Book a taxi in advance with a driver your accommodation recommends, agree the fare beforehand, and save the driver's number. During Spicemas, many roads close for parades, so allow extra time and expect detours.

Avoid walking alone on dark roads late at night, especially along isolated beaches or unlit stretches between Grand Anse and Morne Rouge or around Lance aux Epines. Leave with the people you came with. If you are staying in a villa or apartment, keep the outside light on and have your keys ready when you arrive.

Solo travellers and women

Many people travel alone in Grenada and enjoy carnival and nightlife without problems. Grenadians are generally welcoming and protective of visitors. Women may receive attention and comments, particularly at fetes; a firm, polite response usually ends it. Sexual assaults are not common but do occur, and the British government's travel advice specifically mentions taking care at street and beach parties after dark.

Solo travellers can join an organised mas band, tour or group of other visitors for big events, tell someone at your accommodation where you are going and when you expect to be back, and keep your phone charged. Trust your instincts: if a situation or person feels wrong, leave. If something happens, call 911 or go to the nearest police officer, and seek medical care promptly.

Frequently asked questions