Our History

The first people believed to have settled in Grenada were the Arawak-speaking Amerindians from South America. Archeological sites have unearthed evidence of a people skilled at agriculture and fishing, making jewelry and musical instruments, and building sea crafts; traits that remain with us today. Other archeological treasures are the petroglyphs at Duquesne Bay in the Parish of St. Mark. These carvings on large boulders depict faces and other images from a far, far distant past.

The National Museum in St. George's, the Carriacou Museum and the private Rome Museum at Walker in the Parish of St. Andrew are home to rare antiques and collectibles from Grenadian life of decades and centuries past.

The name Grenada remained after the British gained control of 'la Grenada' from the French in 1763. The name has its origin in Granada given by the Spanish in the 1520s. When the British regained control, efforts were made to rid this fertile island paradise of French influences imposed since 1649. Those efforts were in vain. The Grenada of your Spice Experience is the collective influence of long gone Amerindian customs, French and English ownership, infused with African, East Indian, European and Caribbean ancestry.

With several sites of historic, archeological, architectural and military significance preserved and, in some cases, restored; you can time travel the centuries of Grenada's past when others fought to own and control the island.

Our more recent history is equally as fascinating. Grenada became a sovereign state on February 7, 1974; the first of the Windward and Leeward Islands to do so. Since that milestone achievement, several formal and informal traditions have been established to commemorate Independence on this public holiday. From the formal 'march pass' by uniformed contingents, official speeches and award presentations at our National Stadium, to family picnics, beach parties and sporting events, visitors can relish in our Independence celebrations. Our national dish 'oil down' is celebrated in big pots and small pots, at restaurants and cooking competitions. Breadfruit is slow-cooked with any number of meat, fish and vegetable combinations, absorbing the rare and wonderful flavour of coconut milk.

The revolutionary period from 1979 to 1983 and the subsequent intervention of American and Caribbean military are remembered during the month of October, with formal recognition on Thanksgiving Day. First celebrated on October 25, 1983 to commemorate the restoration of democracy, Grenadians have embraced this annual public holiday as one of friendship and appreciation. It is a day for family, reflection and giving thanks. It is a day that can add a historic perspective to your Spice Experience.

The architecture, place names and dialect of Grenada, along with our customs and celebrations are here to see, hear and touch. What emerges from this intriguing past is the pure warmth of our people. This, above all, is the wonder of your Spice Experience.

We are a nation of entrepreneurs whose pursuit of excellence is ingrained in our adaptability as a people. Our achievements are acknowledged internationally through awards, honours and other measures of recognition. From award winning condiments, herbal remedies, honey and rums to rare organically grown dark cocoa and original seasoning mixes; our farmers and agro-processors are both innovative and experienced. Our hotels and villas, large and small, are the recipients of some of the most prestigious industry awards. We are a nation of welcomers. Ours is pure warmth. As the inhabitants of the world's only Spice Isle, as the keepers of tradition and the doers of vision, we invite you to live the Spice Experience.

Grenada's culture is all embracing enthusiasm. Spice Culture is expressed through music in all its variety; pageantry and poetry; dance and theatre; sport and recreation; and the natural penchant of Grenadians for welcoming, socializing, cooking and celebrating.