Grenada has a rich culture which reveals much about its past; the influences of Amerindian customs, French and English settlements fused with African, East Indian and Caribbean ancestry. The island was named Grenada in 1763 when the British gained control from the French, although the ancestry of the name is actually from Spanish. The island was French from 1649 to 1763, and while the British tried, they were unable to rid the island of French influence.

Columbus never actually set foot on Grenada, just passed by in 1498 and named it "Concepcion". At this point, it was inhabited by Carib Indians who had driven the Arawak tribe from the island. Later, it was Spanish sailors who named the island Grenada as they thought that the island greatly resembled Andalucia.

The first people believed to have settled in Grenada were the Arawak-speaking Amerindians from South America- long before Columbus’ flying visit. The archaeological evidence of these settlers revealed that they were skilled agriculturists and fishermen who built their own boats- techniques of which are still used today.

Spanish, French, and British battles commenced, and a variety of ownership occurred over the next 400 years until the island was proclaimed a British Crown Colony in 1877- and now, is independent, governing themselves and nearby Carriacou and Petite Martinique in a parliamentary style government. One of the most famous moments in Grenadian history came when the native Carib inhabitants jumped from a cliff to avoid surrendering to French troops.

On February 7th 1974, Grenada became the first Windward and Leeward Island to become a sovereign state, and each year this day is recognised with the formal ‘march pass’ by uniformed contingents and official presentations at our National Stadium. Families and friends join together for picnics, beach parties and sporting events, and visitors to the island can join in and enjoy the colourful celebrations; try feasting on a plate of ‘oil down’, a traditional celebratory dish consisting of breadfruit, slow-cooked with meat, fish and vegetable combinations, absorbing the wonderful flavour of callaloo and coconut milk.

If you’re interested in learning more about the rich and colourful history of this island, the National Museum in the capital city St. George's, Carriacou Museum on the island of Carriacou and Rome Museum at Walker in the Parish of St. Andrew will give you more of a glimpse! All these museums house rare antiques and collectibles from Grenadians of the past. There are also several historical sites preserved and some restored which offer visitors a physical experience of invasions, battles and tragedies throughout our history.