Spicemas launches New York off to a rocking start

Hundreds of Grenadians attended the launch of Grenada’s carnival known as “Spicemas” at the Crown Hill Theater, 750 Nostrand Ave., Brooklyn, NY 11216 on Sunday.

CEO of the Spicemas Corporation, Cecil Noel addresses the audience during the launch of Spicemas in Brooklyn, New York. Photo by Kevin Williams

CEO of the Spicemas Corporation, Cecil Noel while addressing the audience noted that some of the traditional mas including Vieques Co, the Indians, Shortknee, Donkey Mas, Maypole, Moko Jumbie and Ole Mas, to name a few are dwindling to a small and lesser known aspects of our heritage. We collectively must institute to changes to bring back these elements of our diverse culture to some level of prominence and visibility and not allow them to die as most of you would agree with me as our patois died. we will go to the villages and whip up our chantwell and get that back on the streets in increased numbers. Those are some of the changes we are working towards because Spicemas is not Spicemas without our authentic traditional mas. We are working assiduously to bring some level of control and time management to events including on the road.

The 2022 Calypso Monarch of Grenada Finley Jeffrey known as the Scholar and King Scholar performing at the Spicemas launch in Brooklyn, New York. Photo by Kevin Williams

Spiky Vibes. Photo by Kevin WilliamsCalypsonian Alma Boy excites the crowd with his performance. Photo by Kevin Williams

The event provided attendees with an authentic cultural experience, including feature performances from some of Grenada’s top artists including Kush, Zingo, Scholar, Inspector, Lil Natty & Thunda, Lil Kerry, V’GHN,  Cryave, Skinny Banton, and Alma Boy. Also featured were presentations by Maypole dancers, Shortknee, Monday Night mas, Jab Jab and the Vieux Corp.

A touch of Jab Jab, an authentic Grenadian mas portrayal. Photo by Kevin WilliamsThe 7 Brothers Vieux Corps traditional mas band portrayal. Photo by Kevin WilliamsPortrayal of Monday night mas, which is unique to Spicemas celebrations.Photo by Kevin Williams

These young dancers display their plaiting skills as they perform the Maypole dance. Photo by Kevin Williams

A Moko Jumbie displays his stilt walking skills.Photo by Kevin Williams

Minister of State with responsibility for Youth, Sports and Culture, Rohan Redhead said “these last few days have been a pleasure to visit and I am certainly going to return back to Grenada and to say to the Hon.Dickon Mitchell (Grenada’s Prime Minister) that the people in New York deserve more than just a launch, they deserve a special carnival in time to come.” “So let me say this that once we continue to generate the type of resources that can bolster Spicemas Corporation to achieve its objectives, we are going to move through the length and breadth of the world, demonstrating and showcasing Grenada’s culture with everyone,” said Minister Redhead.

Grenada’s Minister of State with responsibility for Youth, Sports and Culture, Rohan Redhead addressing the audience and officially launching Spicemas in Brooklyn at the Crown Hall Theatre on Nostrand Avenue.Photo by Kevin Williams

Redhead speaking on the theme for this year’s carnival “Spicemass – The Evolution” said it speaks essentially to recognizing culture as a global public good.

Minister for Mobilisation, Implementation and Transformation, Andy Williams said, “We all appreciate Spicemas for having this launch today. It is a first and I want you to give them a round of applause. This is a first in New York and it is something that we have to continue. We really have to give thanks to the diaspora who have supported us a lot and most of the time we do not give you the credit that you deserve.”

Grenada’s Minister for Mobilisation, Implementation and Transformation, Andy Williams speaks at the carnival launch in Brooklyn.Nathifa Lewis sings the Grenada National Anthem at the launch of Spicemas in Brooklyn. Photo by Kevin Williams

Public Advocate Jumaane Williams and Congresswoman Yvette D. Clarke were  also present and addressed the gathering.

New York Public Advocate, Jumaane Williams. Photo by Kevin WilliamsCongresswoman Yvette D. Clarke. Photo by Kevin Williams

This year’s Spicemas in Grenada, taking place Aug. 1-15, will feature new compliments and concepts different from previous years. The Grenada Tourism Authority (GTA) partnered with The Spicemas Corporation to give New Yorkers a taste of its beloved carnival, Spicemas.
For more information on Spicemas in Grenada, please visit: https://spicemasgrenada.com/.

The traditional Shortnee mas portrayal at the Spicemas launch in Brooklyn. Photo by Kevin Williams