With the decrease in temperature and increase in holiday cheer, many people have opted to try a more relaxing tropical Christmas. Imagine Christmas on a sprawling white sand beach surrounded by lush greenery and clear Caribbean turquoise waters, without a speck of snow insight. Grenada offers a variety of festive activities that allow guests to escape the holiday 'hustle and bustle’, while still maintaining the intimate spirit of the season.

Christmas at Fish Friday: Every Friday from November 2, 2007 – January 4, 2008, the Gouyave Fish Friday Festival Company will be presenting special holiday events. Guests and locals alike can enjoy the Christmas Spirit at a variety of presentations including: Humor and Calypso Friday, featuring the Island’s most talented drama clubs and humorous calypsonians; Family Evening; Band Splash and Jazzy Drum-Pan Fridays. Visitors can also enjoy such traditional favorites as 'Fishtastic’ Recipe-Tasting, 'Bamboo Bursting’ Contests and Parang (Carol) Singing.

Many of Grenada’s Christmas traditions are similar to those of North America. The season places emphasis on togetherness and generosity (which there is no shortage of in Grenada), while enjoying such familiar icons as carolers, evergreen trees and most importantly, food. Visitors spending the holidays on the Island should try to indulge in some of the seasonal dishes, including blackened ham, Christmas pudding, black fruit cake (prepared in October specifically for Christmas), sorrel and ginger beer. Many of Grenada’s fine hotels and resorts get into the spirit of the season by including their guests in the festivities.

Laluna: Guests spending Christmas at Laluna will be reminded of home by the seasonal decorations and the generosity of their host. On Christmas Eve, the staff of LaLuna ensures each guests is left a little token of the season with the turndown service. On Christmas morning, each guest is given a present in person and invited to join the staff of Laluna for a special family style Christmas luncheon prepared with some Island favorites. A seasonal dinner is also prepared, but the menu is decided at the last minute to ensure only the freshest food makes it to the table. For more information, visit www.laluna.com

Individuals wishing to start off the New Year in a tropical paradise will find the island of Grenada abundant with lively celebrations designed to ring in the New Year with style.

The Grenadian by Rex Resorts: It will be a grand New Year for guests enjoying a visit to the Grenadian on December 31, 2007. Possibly the largest celebration on the island, the Grenadian’s 'Old Years Night’ party promises to send 2007 out with a bang - literally! Open to the public and guests of the Resort, local DJs and a band will keep the crowd on their feet until 4 am when a brilliant fireworks show will close out the evening. Visitors are welcome to join hotel guests before the party for a Gala Buffet dinner.

Grenada’s warm climate and gentle pace offers visitors a chance to escape the holiday bustle, while reacquainting them with the true spirit of the season. For more information, visit www.grenadagrenadines.com

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For a little taste of Grenada at your next holiday celebration, try this creamy Grenadian version of Eggnog and add a touch of spice to the occasion.

Ingredients:
6 eggs
Piece of lemon peel
3 x 385 mL can evaporated milk
10 oz. can condensed milk
1 tsp. angostura bitters
1 tsp. grated nutmeg
Crushed ice
½ cup rum (for non-alcoholic version, omit the rum)


Method:
Beat eggs with the lemon peel until light. Add evaporated milk, condensed milk, bitters, nutmeg and rum. Beat lightly. Remove lemon peel. Serve over crushed ice. Serves eight.

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Keeping Grand Anse Beach Beautiful:
To ensure Grenada’s beaches remain beautiful now and for generations to come, the Grenada Board of Tourism has installed piles. The piles will prevent vehicles from driving on to the beach, not only making it safer for pedestrians but also preventing beach erosion. The pile program began with Grand Anse Beach and will eventually move to other locations.

Grenada adds some spice to 'Miss World’ competition:
The island of Grenada was represented at the 'Miss World’ beauty pageant for the first time in many years. The representative, Vivian Burkhardt, a 21-year-old medical student at St. George’s University, was a semi-finalist of the prestigious show and also came in second for her talent presentation. Vivian climbed through the ranks of over a hundred young women to finish in the top 20 of the competition. Congratulations to Ms. Vivian Burkhardt for her tremendous showing at the 2007 Ms. World Competition!

Grenada continues to welcome ALL visitors:
Despite recent media speculation, Grenada is not barring gay cruises from entering their ports. Grenada is a proud member of the United Nations community and is party to the various conventions on the respect for and preservation of human rights and non-discrimination. As such Grenada respects the rights of all persons, of all persuasions and lifestyles and has not, as reported, made any attempt to turn away these visitors from the Island. The people of Grenada and the Island’s Ministry of Tourism are happy to continue welcoming all visitors.

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There is always a variety of activities and festivals to be enjoyed on the island of Grenada. During the holiday season, visitors to the Island should be aware that Christmas and Boxing Day are statutory holidays and that businesses and banks will be closed. Guests enjoying a New Year in Grenada can add some spice to their vacation with one of these exciting activities:

The Spiceisle Billfish Tournament: January 16 – 19, 2008
Held annually, the Spiceisle Billfish Tournament gives anglers the opportunity to catch a piece of the Caribbean's best game fishing. In 2008, the Spiceisle Billfish Tournament celebrates its 39th anniversary with three days of fishing and four days of fun-filled activities.

The tournament follows the IGFA rules and operates on a tag and release system. Eligible species for tournament points are Blue Marlin, White Marlin and Yellowfin Tuna. Wahoo and Dolphin (Mahi Mahi) are also accepted, but for weight prizes only. Points are deducted for underweight fish. The Spiceisle Billfish Tournament is a qualifying tournament for the Rolex/ IGFA Offshore Championship.

The Grenada Sailing Festival: January 25 – 29, 2008
The Grenada Sailing Festival attracts sailing enthusiasts from all over the world, and features four days of races and regattas, as well as a daylong craft market and cultural street festival. This year marks the Festival’s 15th anniversary with nightly 'limes’ at the Dodgy Docks to celebrate the victories.

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