Grenada: We gone give dem jab

A Grenada mas passed hand to hand — parish to parish, generation to generation.

Iron, drum, chant — the pulse that pulls the road forward before sunrise.

Call and answer. The road talks back and everybody know the words.

Jab chips, stomps and moves with the rhythm. Some drag chains; others hold them together in an unbroken chain line. Never cross or break the line—go around and let the Jab flow.

The mark of Jab — worn with pride, cleaned off with patience.

Jab helmets carry many different horn designs. Chains may be dragged or carried, and the sound of a conch shell can ring out as a Jab call.

Expect the unexpected. Jab may carry or push almost anything—goat bones, branches, oiled-down luggage, grocery baskets, dolls, strollers and even caskets filled with drinks. You may see frogs, dogs, men dressed as women and countless characters created for the road. No two Jab groups play mas the same way.

A jab group is family. You watch out for the person next to you on the road.

Jab is Grenadian — a mas that stands for freedom and self.

A Grenadian mas of disguise dating back to the pre-emancipation era. Masqueraders wear tall pointed headpieces, concealed faces and layered costumes. They stomp and chant together, creating rhythm with their wooden clogs.

One of Grenada’s best-known traditional characters, recognised by its distinctive costume, mask, bells and energetic movement. Shortknee carries history, satire and performance onto the road.

A dramatic traditional portrayal known for elaborate headpieces, strong movement, chants and commanding road presence.

Stilt walkers who rise above the crowd with balance, movement and colour. The tradition carries African and Caribbean cultural roots.

Masqueraders use humour, costumes, signs and characters to comment on community life, current events and things people may prefer not to say aloud.

Dancers move around a decorated pole, weaving colourful ribbons into patterns through coordinated steps and rhythm.

A traditional sailor portrayal inspired by naval dress, movement and discipline, brought to life through Carnival performance.