Grenada

The Block

Is known as “The Isle of Spice” because it produces 72 different spices and is the second largest producer of nutmeg in the world. An appropriate symbol for Grenadians, a large, exuberant three dimensional nutmeg, created by Roslyn Bullen, fills the centre of the block. Earthy tones of brown, rust and yellow thread creatively stitched onto smooth yellow fabric replicate the edible outer layer, or pod. Split open, bright red mace is revealed encasing the dark brown pit which makes up the actual nutmeg seed. Varying shades of green are embroidered to portray lush leavGrenada es which are used for oil in different lotions. Every part of the nutmeg is used and spices are an integral element of Grenadian culture and cuisine. Bright beads in colours symbolizing courage, wisdom, warmth and agriculture, gracefully dance around the nutmeg and reflect the bubbly warmth of the people.

Cultural Profile

The Caribbean nation of Grenada is made up of three islands in the southern West Indies: Grenada, Petit Martinique and Carriacou. Grenada is a volcanic, mountainous island with a tropical landscape, waterfalls and spectacular beaches. No tall buildings are built because law dictates that development may not rise above the height of a coconut palm. Because of British rule, the official language is English; however, rural communities also speak a French patois as a result of many years of French control.

Grenadian culture is a mix of British, African, West Indian and French influences, and the people are very caring, friendly and effervescent, approaching life with a positive attitude. Dances, passed from one generation to the next, show the influence of African dances and French quadrilles. Music, such as calypso, reggae, soca, jazz or the ‘Big Drum’ of Carriacou, is very important aspects of life. The carnival plays an important role, culturally and economically, culminating with the ‘Mas’, the parade with floats and exuberant costumes, and the J’ouvert, a late-night, early morning revelry where attendants dance on the streets and are covered in black paint. The tradition of the black paint stems from the early days of the carnival when attendees did not want to be recognized, no matter what they did during the celebration.

Grenadians are also known for their skills in other areas. These include the craftsmanship evidenced in their woven palm frond hats, basketry, bags, woodcarving, bamboo and wickerwork. It extends to their cuisine as well. A staple of Grenadian cuisine is the ‘oil down’, where breadfruit, spices and salted meat are cooked in a pot called the karhee until all the coconut milk is absorbed in the food and leaving an oily mixture in the bottom of the pot.

Grenadians immigration to Canada has been recorded since 1946. As of 2011, there were close to 15,000 Grenadians living in Canada. Thousands of Grenadians are actively involved in various organizations including the ‘Grenada Association of Toronto’ and the ‘Grenada Association of Manitoba’.

Sponsor: Roslyn, Julien & Johnny Bullen and Cedmo Clyne