Beyond the Mas: Reflecting on Spicemas 2025

by Michael Bascombe

Spicemas 2025 has come to a close, and once again, Grenada has demonstrated its ability to deliver a Carnival that is safe, vibrant, and culturally rich. The festivities—from J’ouvert to Last Lap—showcased the creativity and energy of our people, backed by months of hard work from stakeholders across the board.

To the Spicemas Corporation, our artistes, musicians, mas bands (both traditional and fancy), band leaders, performers, queen contestants, pannists, promoters, broadcasters, volunteers, healthcare and sanitation workers, and patrons, who contributed to this success. And a special salute to the Royal Grenada Police Force (RGPF), whose consistent and visible presence was key in maintaining law and order. We also extend congratulations to all the winners across the various competitions. Your performances were a credit to the season.

However, as tradition dictates, Dimarche Gras sparked fierce debate, particularly regarding the results of the Calypso Monarch competition. Carnival results have long stirred passionate discussions—everyone believes their favourite should win. And in the digital age, where opinions can be shared and amplified instantly, these conversations grow even louder.

While debate is healthy in any artistic competition, it is vital to remember: competition is judged, but appreciation is personal. Art resonates differently with each of us, and while not every result may align with public sentiment, this does not diminish the significance or talent of any performer.

Still, reflection is necessary. As we celebrate Spicemas, we must also consider how we sustain it.

One concerning trend is the disappearance of pan on the road. Beyond Panorama, steel bands are increasingly absent from street parades. This points to a broader issue: are the main contributors—pannists, calypsonians, soca artistes, and traditional mas players—being fairly valued and supported?

If we are to protect the essence of Spicemas, we need more than pageantry—we need policy, investment, and continuity. Here are some recommendations:

1. Rebalance Compensation Structures
2. • Ensure cultural contributors are properly remunerated for their creative input, not just judged on competition results.
3. Reintroduce Pan to the Streets
4. • Provide incentives, transportation, and logistics beyond Panorama night. Create incentives for pan on the road, introduce mobile performance routes, and support pan yard showcases to bring back steelband visibility in public spaces.
5. Revive and Support Traditional Mas
6. • Offer financial and creative support to ensure traditional bands can thrive and involve younger generations. Support traditional bands through funding and community outreach. Encourage youth participation via school programmes and apprenticeship opportunities with veteran masqueraders.
7. Education and Mentorship
8. • Integrate Carnival arts into schools and community programmes and promote year-round training in music, performance, costume design, and storytelling. Let today’s performers teach tomorrow’s leaders.
9. Digital Storytelling and Promotion
10. • Use online platforms to share the stories behind the songs, costumes, and characters. Let the world understand the heart of Spicemas.
11. Transparent Judging and Feedback Loops
12. • Consider creating spaces for public engagement on judging criteria to foster trust and understanding while preserving the integrity of the art form.
13. Long-Term Planning
    Spicemas must be treated not only as a national event but as a strategic cultural industry. Investments in infrastructure, promotion, and artist development must be sustained throughout the year—not just in the Carnival season.

Grenada should be proud of the achievements made this year. Spicemas 2025 was a cultural triumph. But as we bask in the success, let us also embrace the responsibility to preserve, protect, and progress our traditions.

For Carnival to evolve, we must ensure that it remains inclusive, artistically diverse, and financially sustainable. The future of Spicemas depends on the choices we make now.

Let’s keep the conversation alive. And let’s keep the culture even stronger.