Caribbean L 50 ife, Aug. 30, 2019
Spicemas on the rise
By Nelson A. King
On the heels of a phenomenal 24.9 percent
growth in arrivals for the 2018 Carnival
Season, the Grenada Tourist Board
(GTB) says the Spice Isle recorded a 7.7
percent increase in arrivals for Spicemas
2019, of 13,327, compared to 12,379 in the
corresponding year.
“This figure is a measure of the visitors
and Diaspora arriving in the destination,
prior to Carnival Monday,” GTB said in a
statement.
Of the 13,327 stayover visitors, it said
10,505 were tourists, and 2,822 were
Grenadians residing abroad.
GTB said part of this growth is attributed
to additional airlift, including three
extra flights from LIAT, increased marketing
and the global recognition of Grenada’s
artistes, culture and music.
The best performing markets for Spicemas
2019 were the United States, 21 percent,
a total of 6,818 visitors; and Trinidad
and Tobago, 7 percent, with a total of
1,973 visitors.
“Grenada’s soca, groovy and calypso
music, coupled with its authentic and
distinctly unique offerings of Jab Jab and
Monday Night Mas, served to wow visitors
and highlight what sets Spicemas apart
from other carnivals,” GTB said, adding
that 2019 also saw a marked increase in
participation with 12 bands parading for
the Monday Night Mas street party.
“The masqueraders reveled to the
Children participating in this year’s
carnival in Grenada.
Spicemas / Joshua Yetman
rhythms of carnival and lit up the night
sky with a plethora of colorfully branded
t-shirts, lighted hats and wands,” GTB
said.
“Fancy Mas on Carnival Monday and
Tuesday also saw increased participation
from bands (11) and masqueraders, with
bejeweled costumes, pageantry and storytelling,”
it added.
Minister for Tourism and Civil Aviation
Dr. Clarice Modeste-Curwen thanked
all the contributors to Spicemas 2019,
including the artists, bandleaders and
service providers.
Congratulations to the
West Indian American Day Carnival Association
Assemblywoman
Latrice M
Walker
55th Assembly District
#walkwith walker