Grenada - The Isle of Spice
The tri island state of Grenada is located just 100 miles north of Venezuela. Early on this southern most oasis of Caribbean chain earned its nickname as The Isle of Spice, as shiploads of cinnamon, mace and clove made their way across the Atlantic to satisfy the European demand for the exotic aromas and tastes of the New World and beyond.

Visiting the main island of Grenada is like sampling the culture and history of three continents over the course of half a millennium. The influence of French, Spanish, African and native Amerindian culture and history is everywhere. Although the official language is English, most Grenadians speak a Creole or English dialect that contains a colorful mixture of words from each period of the island's history.

The British first tried to colonize this virgin paradise in 1609, but were summarily chased off by the cannibalistic Carib Indians who were already well entrenched. Then in 1650 the French came ashore with booze and baubles to bribe their way into the native's good graces. By the very next year, however, the French found themselves battling the natives for control of the island. The struggle ended at Leaper's Hill in the northern end of Grenada, where the Caribs threw themselves over the cliff's edge to the rocks below, rather than submit to the French.

Britain and France exchanged possession of the island on a regular basis over the course of the next 100 years. Finally Grenada was awarded to the British in 1783, as part of the Treaty of Versailles.

Grenadian customs have evolved as much from its lush tropical environment as from the mixture of cultures that settled here. The strong traditions of dance and drum are gifts from Africa. The annual Carnival, originally held in February, is most likely derived from traditions of the Catholic Lenten season. This now takes place in August each year. Just as at Marde Gras in New Orleans, the Grenadian Carnival historically provided the means for common folk, and even slaves, to openly mock the forces of authority. The tradition continues today in the jouvert celebrations held in the early hours of Carnival Monday.