I am Nigerian-British, and for a long time, I regrettably misunderstood carnival culture.  The more politically aware I’ve become (with still a long way to go), the more I see within the culture forms of resistance that had previously gone unnoticed. 

There are things one can understand in theory, but my understanding of Grenada’s history of activism grew deeper upon attending Spicemas for the second time. Through my jovial interactions with my peers playing mas – who were better versed at the various carnivals across the Caribbean – I’ve learned that each country’s celebration is distinct.

These festivals may share roots in resistance against enslavement, but they also embody the particular histories, geographies and struggles of the islands where they take place.