Located in the southeastern Caribbean Sea, and known as the Island of Spice, Grenada, a former colony of Britain and France, was built on the labour of enslaved Africans, so the vast majority of the population are of African descent (about 90%), and its culture is a combination of French and African cultures. For Christians, Carnival is a festive season which occurs immediately before Lent (the word "carnival" comes from the Latin carne levare - farewell to meat). In colonies, the slaves were left out of their owners' fun and fanfare, so they organized their own parties, puting together costumes with what little they had. Grenada's Carnival (Spice Mas) has been celebrated on the island since the Europeans occupied it, each year before Lent, but because since 1975 in february is also celebrated the independence, it was moved several times, until it came to be celebrated in August (for 2014 it starts on the 10th of August and ends on the 14th). After months of preparation, there are many events to attend at the National Stadium: the National Queen show, the SMC/LIME Soca Monarch Competition, the Panorama Night of Pan and Soca. The pre-Carnival festivities culminates with Dimanche Gras. After four days of music and competition, the party is ready to get started with the three main events of Spice Mas.
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