Unofficial Holidays celebrated in Grenada
Saraka
Saraka is a thanksgiving feast passed down from African ancestors, where communities share traditional foods cooked over firewood and served on bluggoe or banana leaves. It features drumming, dancing, and offerings of flowers and rum. Saraka is held yearly: it is celebrated on the Friday before Ash Wednesday at La Poterie, St. Andrew, and the Friday after Easter at River Sallee, St. Patrick. [1]
Guy Fawkes Day
Guy Fawkes day is an old English tradition that is celebrated annually in Grenada, to commemorate the failed gun powder plot of 1605 .Guy Fawkes is usually held at Morne Jaloux St.Georges.
Armistice Day
Armistice Day is a solemn occasion to remember the end of World War I and to honor those who sacrificed their lives during the conflict. It is marked by memorial services, moments of silence, and the laying of wreaths at war memorials. It is a day used commemorated the armistice signed in 1918, ending the devastating war. Grenadians are usually seen wearing poppies around this time and it is celebrated on November 11th annually
Fishermans Birthday
In Grenada, Fisherman's Birthday is celebrated on June 29th every year. This day is dedicated to honoring and celebrating the island's fishing community and the important role that fishermen play in Grenada's culture and economy.
Key Features of Fisherman's Birthday:
- Religious Significance: The day often has a religious aspect, as many fishermen and their families attend church services to give thanks for the year's work and to seek blessings for future fishing endeavors.
- Community Celebrations: Fisherman's Birthday is celebrated with festivals, beach parties, and community events. The fishing communities come together to celebrate their culture, heritage, and the vital role fishing plays in Grenadian life.
- Traditional Food and Drink: Local delicacies like fish dishes and other seafood are featured, and the event is also an occasion to enjoy traditional music, dancing, and community gatherings.[2]
The Carriacou Maroon and Stringband Festival
The Carriacou Maroon and String Band Festival is the result of the merging of the African Maroon festival and String Band music into one unique celebration, held annually at the end of April. The festival honors the Maroons who escaped slavery and built their own communities while preserving African culture and heritage. It also focuses on remembering the ancestors and giving thanks for a good harvest. Over the course of three days, the festival features String Band music, Quadrille dancing, local foods, the beating of the big drums, and the wearing of traditional attire.
Carriacou Carnival
Carriacou Carnival, also known as “Kayak Mas,” is a celebration held on the sister island of Carriacou in February during the pre-Lenten season. Kayak Mas offers an authentic cultural experience with a unique twist. The carnival blends elements of Carriacou’s African, French, and English heritage, which are represented in the music, street celebrations, masquerade bands, food, colors, and splendor.[3]