Skip to content Skip to main navigation Skip to footer

About Grenada, Carriacou & Petite Martinique

About Us

Grenada, Carriacou and Petite Martinique

The nation of Grenada, measuring 344 km2, is composed of three key islands: Grenada and its sister islands Carriacou and Petite Martinique. Each is beautiful and rich in culture, historic sites, fresh culinary delights, and much more. Carriacou is only a 90-minute boat ride from St. George’s, the nation’s capital city which is located on the southwest Coast of the island. St. George’s is the seat of government and the main commercial centre.

Grenada’s proximity to the Equator ensures a year-round tropical climate, with average temperatures ranging between 23 and 28 °C. Its cooling trade winds offer very comfortable conditions.

Grenada was traditionally inhabited by Carib Indians who migrated from the South American mainland. The island was originally known as Camerhougue, but Christopher Columbus renamed it ‘Concepción Island’ when he visited it in 1498. Successive Spanish sailors found it to be so evocative of Andalucía’s green mountain scenery that they named it after the city of Granada.

Grenada was a French and British colony, but gained independence from the United Kingdom on February 7, 1974. The islands still retain traces of European influence in their culture, architecture and place names.

Grenada’s population is highly educated and has a very high literacy rate. St George’s University hosts over 6,000 students from over 140 countries, offers faculties of Medicine and Veterinary Science, and has been operating for over forty years.

 

Grenada Pledge of Allegiance

I pledge allegiance to my flag and to the country for which it stands, with Liberty, Justice and Equality for all. I pledge also that I shall defend and uphold, the Honour, Dignity and Laws and Institutions of my country.

National Anthem

Hail! Grenada, land of ours, We pledge ourselves to thee, Heads, hearts and hands in unity To reach our destiny. Ever conscious of God, Being proud of our heritage, May we with faith and courage Aspire, build, advance As one people, one family. God bless our nation.

Coat of Arms

Coat of Arms

The official coat of arms of Grenada is a shield divided into four parts by a golden cross. In the centre of this cross is the Santa Maria, Columbus’ flagship. A British lion on a red field is shown in the upper left and lower right sections of the shield, with a golden crescent moon out of which a lily growsin the upper right and lower left sections. Above the shield there is a golden crown, topped with a garland of bougainvillea branches. Within the garland are seven red roses, which stand for the seven communities of Grenada. Holding the sign are an armadillo which stands before a corn stalk; on the other side a Grenada dove, which stands before a banana plant. The base represents grassland mountains and Grenada’s Grand Etang Lake. A ribbon displays the national motto: “Ever conscious of God we aspire, build and advance as one people.”

The coat of arms was adopted by the island nation in 1974 following independence.

Flag of Grenada

 

Flag of Grenada

The national flag of Grenada was adopted upon independence from the United Kingdom, 7 February 1974. The six stars in the red border stand for the country’s six parishes, with the middle star, encircled by a red disk, standing for the capital, Saint George’s. The symbol in the hoist represents a clove of nutmeg, one of the principal crops of Grenada. It also represents a link to Grenada’s former name, which was the “Isle of Spice”.

The red colour of the flag stands for courage and vitality, yellow for wisdom and warmth, and green for vegetation and agriculture.

The flag was designed by Anthony C. George of Soubise in Saint Andrew Parish.

Fast Facts

Fast Facts

  • Official name: Grenada
  • Dependencies: Carriacou and Petite Martinique
  • Area, including all three islands: 344 km2 (133 sq. miles)
  • Population: 108,132 (UN estimate, 2008)
  • Capital: St. George’s
  • Location: 12.07° North 61.40° West
  • Currency: Eastern Caribbean dollar (XCD)
  • Major languages: English (official), French patois
  • Nationality: Grenadian
  • Major religion: Christianity
  • Life expectancy: 67 years (men), 70 years (women) (UN)
  • GNI per capita: USD 4,670 (World Bank, 2007)
  • Current labour force: 40% of population
  • International dialling code: +1 473
  • Internet domain: .gd
  • Airport: Maurice Bishop International Airport (MBIA)
  • Climate: Tropical, with average temperature of 24ºC (75ºF)
  • Time zone: EST+ 1 (GMT – 4:00)
  • Government: Constitutional monarchy
  • Head of State: King Charles III, Governor General Dr. Cécile La Grenade
  • Head of Government: Hon. Dickon Mitchell
  • Ruling Party: National Democratic Congress (NDC)
  • Elections: Last elections on 23 June 2022, next elections by 2027
  • Suffrage: Universal at 18
  • National Holiday: 7 February (1974, Independence Day)
  • Constitution: December 19, 1975

Public Holidays & Events

Public Holidays & Events

January 1st – New Years Day

Officially a public holiday, the first day of the New Year is celebrated by many with traditional religious services followed by visits to family and friends. In Grenada, New Year’s Day is a public holiday, when banks and most shops are closed.

February 7th – Independence Day

Each year on February 7th, Grenadians celebrate the anniversary of their independence, with national ceremonies and parades featuring the Royal Grenada Police Force, Boy Scouts, Girl Guides and various schools. Independence Day is a public holiday. Banks and most shops are closed.

April – Good Friday

On Good Friday, many Christian Churches in Grenada commemorate the anniversary of the crucifixion of Jesus Christ. Religious services are held marking Holy Week which starts on Holy Thursday, continue through Good Friday, and climax with the commemoration of the resurrection of Christ on Easter Sunday. Good Friday is a public holiday. Banks and most shops are closed.

April – Easter Monday

Easter Monday is an official public holiday given after Easter Sunday. Banks and most shops are closed.

April 24th- 26th – Carriacou Maroon and String Band Music Festival

Carriacou Maroon & String Band Music Festival merges the maroon celebration and string band music into one setting with one spirit. Its African origins are depicted through the drumming, singing, smoked food and other rituals practiced by the local people. It epitomizes food, music and culture by bringing people together. As we say, once you have experienced the Carriacou Maroon & String Band Music Festival, your life will never be the same Carriacoumaroon.com

May 1st – Labour Day

May 25th – Whit Monday

Whit Monday is an official public holiday given the day after Whitsunday (Pentecost), a religious festival celebrating the descent of the Holy Spirit upon the Apostles. Banks and most shops are closed.

June 4th – Corpus Christi

Corpus Christi is celebrated in the Latin Church on the Thursday after Trinity Sunday to solemnly commemorate the institution of the Holy Eucharist. In Grenada, religious services are held. Corpus Christi is a public holiday. Banks and most shops are closed.

August  5th – Emancipation Day

Emancipation Day is a public holiday celebrating the abolition of slavery. Although officially acknowledged worldwide as August 1st, in Grenada Emancipation Day is celebrated on the first Monday of August with Cultural activities. Emancipation Day is a public holiday. Banks and most shops are closed.

August 12th – Carnival Monday

From dawn on Carnival Monday, the streets of Grenada’s towns are filled with traditional masqueraders depicting Devils (Jab-Jabs) and social commentaries of the highlights of the past year (Ole Mas). Spectators and masqueraders dance to the sounds of steel bands and DJ’s playing the latest carnival melodies.

On Monday afternoon the fancy or pretty bands appear briefly on the streets. Later in the evening the Monday Night Mas bands make their way through the streets from 8 pm onwards dancing and waving brightly coloured lights. Carnival Monday is a public holiday. Banks and most shops are closed.

August 13th – Carnival Tuesday

Carnival celebrations come to an end on Carnival Tuesday with the parade of the bands. Masqueraders dance through the streets showcasing their brightly coloured costumes to the delight of the crowd with sounds of steel bands and DJ’s playing the latest carnival songs. Carnival Tuesday is a public holiday. Banks and most shops are closed.

Sep. 1st – Kirani Day (Not a Holiday)

Kirani James Day clebrates the achievements of Kirani James Grenada’s first Olympic Gold Medalist.
The day is not a Public Holiday.

Oct 15th – 19th – Aunty Tek Spice Word Festival

The first annual Spice Word Literary Festival was held in 2010.  Fully supported by a visionary private sector it was voted a timely intervention and a resounding success by all Grenadians. Readmore

October 25th – Thanksgiving Day

Thanksgiving in Grenada is a public holiday commemorating the anniversary of the 1983 Caribbean and American military intervention in Grenada. On October 25th, a joint military force landed in Grenada to restore order to the country following the deaths of then Prime Minister Maurice Bishopand a number of his colleagues. Today, more than 25 years after the event, Grenada remains a peaceful society, welcoming visitors from North America and Europe on a daily basis.
Thanksgiving in Grenada is a public holiday. Banks, business places and most shops are closed.

Dec. 4th – Dec. 6th – Camerhogne Folk Festival

The first Camerhogne Folk Festival was held in 2010. This festival was initiated by the Division of Culture upon recognition that the number of folk groups and performances during major National festival and other cultural events had declined considerably over the years. Readmore

December 25th – Christmas Day

Christmas Day in Grenada is marked by religious celebrations and an increased generosity of spirit among the local population. Christmas traditions include the display of Nativity scenes, the decoration of Christmas trees and homes, Christmas parties with Santa Claus being the special guest at children’s parties and the exchange of gifts during the festive season.

Christian Churches celebrate with midnight services on December 24th. Christmas Day is spent with friends and family, eating traditional Christmas meals and exchanging of gifts. Malls and Stores open late into the evening on Christmas Eve while restaurants offer special Christmas Day menus for both lunch and dinner. Christmas Day is a public holiday. Banks and most business places are closed on this day.

December 26th – Boxing Day

December 26, the day after Christmas Day, is celebrated as Boxing Day. Boxing Day is a public holiday and is used by many to continue visiting friends and family in the spirit of the Christmas season. Banks and most business places are closed on Boxing Day.

People

People

Back to top