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The Island Blog
- December 8th 2011
When I first mentioned my decision to visit the islands for Christmas 2010, everyone was rather surprised. They made comments like ‘there would be no snow,’ or ‘where will you find a mistletoe?’ I listened to all of their remarks but I was determined to experience Christmas in Grenada, Carriacou and Petite Martinique, so I booked my flight.
From the moment I arrived at the airport, I knew my decision was the right one. All of the passengers were greeted with the sweet sound of a steel band music playing Christmas songs. In addition, slices of delicious fruit cake and a choice of sorrel drink or spicy rum punch were served. Since it was somewhat early in the day, I chose the sorrel, and what a surprise I got. It was like cranberry without the bitterness, an absolute taste of heaven.
After this I got really excited to see what Christmas on the islands was really all about. My Grenadian friend decided that we should go to Carriacou to experience the Parang Festival. The performers used mainly stringed instruments and expressed lyrics that made the crowd roar with laughter. The topics were based on past and current events happening on the island. It was quite an experience.
As Christmas drew nearer, we went serenading through the villages. We sang Christmas carols and local Christmas hymns. Everyone loved it and graced us with hot cocoa tea, salted ham and what everyone referred to as ‘bully bakes.’
So although there was no mistletoe and no snowman, I got a taste of that heavenly sorrel drink, fruit cake, salted ham, bully bakes, parang music and local serenading. I wouldn’t have traded that experience for the world. Island people really do know how to have a great time.
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Comments
John Grant says:
December 22, 2011 @ 2:15 PM
I have never done any of this. What is up with that?Grenada Board of Tourism says:
December 22, 2011 @ 3:17 PM
If you were to arrive at the airport today, you will be greeted with a glass of sorrel drink and many of the finger foods listed above. Based on the time of year, if you enter via the cruise port, there may be steel pan music, dancers or even drummers. Everyone is free to join in if they wish.Carla Rae says:
December 30, 2011 @ 8:34 AM
@John Grant - If you have never done any of that you are wasting time. You need to know how to enjoy the best of Grenada all of the time. @The visitor- I hope that you come to visit again and again. Carnival is nice and something you should experience. So too Independence (February 07) and even Easter.Richard says:
January 13, 2012 @ 10:00 AM
I found these islands completely by accident in I believe in 1995, when I was aboard the windjammer boat, the Yankee Clipper. That was THE best decision I ever made. I have been back to the islands about 5 times now and simply love Carriacou. I have stayed at Ades Dream Guest house and love it. I am hoping to go back next year for a whole month. If you have never been to Grenada or Carriacou, you are missing out on one of the finest places on the planet. The peoplle are truly tremendous.
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