Grenada

The Spice Isle

Stunning Island

Grenada is an island country of the West Indies in the eastern Caribbean Sea. The southernmost of the Windward Islands, Grenada is directly south of Saint Vincent and the Grenadines and about 100 miles (160 km) north of Trinidad and the South American mainland.

Grenada consists of the island of Grenada itself, two smaller islands, Carriacou and Petite Martinique, and several small islands which lie to the north of the main island and are a part of the Grenadines. Grenada is also known as the “Island of Spice” due to its production of nutmeg and mace crops.

Name History

The origin of the name “Grenada” is obscure, but it is likely that Spanish sailors named the island for the city of Granada. The name “Granada” was recorded by Spanish maps in the 1520s and referred to the islands to the north as Los Granadillos (“Little Granadas”); although those named islands were deemed the property of the King of Spain, there are no records to suggest the Spanish ever attempted to settle Grenada.The French maintained the name (as “La Grenade” in French) after settlement and colonisation in 1649. On 10 February 1763, the island of La Grenade was ceded to the British under the Treaty of Paris. The British renamed it “Grenada”, one of many place-name anglicisations they made there.

Interesting Facts

  • Island of Spice: Grenada is nicknamed the “Island of Spice” due to its abundant spice plantations, including nutmeg, cinnamon, and cloves. 
     
  • Unique Currency: Grenada uses the East Caribbean Dollar (XCD) as its currency. 
     
  • Tri-Island Nation: It’s composed of Grenada, Carriacou, and Petite Martinique. 
     
  • Underwater Sculpture Park: Grenada is home to the world’s first underwater sculpture park. 
     
  • National Dish: “Oildown” is the national dish, a stew with salted meat, breadfruit, and other vegetables. 
     
  • Leatherback Turtle Nesting: It is a major nesting site for leatherback sea turtles. 
     
  • Independence: Grenada gained independence from the United Kingdom on February 7, 1974. 
     
  • Capital City: St. George’s is the capital and largest city. 
     
  • Friendly People: Grenadians are known for their warm hospitality. 
     
  • SpiceMas: Grenada’s annual carnival celebration is called SpiceMas. 
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