February 7: Grenada's National Day

Ingrid Nováková, international specialist, February 7, 2026

Origins of independence

Grenada's National Day, celebrated on February 7, marks its independence achieved in 1974 after 23 years of political struggle led by Eric Gairy against British rule. In 1951, a general strike led by Eric Gairy and his Grenada United Labour Party (GULP) paralyzed the island, forcing the British to grant political reforms. In 1962, the collapse of the West Indies Federation opened the way to gradual autonomy, culminating in associated statehood in 1967. During this period, Gairy stepped up his campaign for independence, despite growing opposition from Maurice Bishop's New Jewel Movement (NJM). The situation worsened in 1973 with the notorious "Bloody Sunday," when police and the "mongoose gang," a pro-Gairy militia, attacked Maurice Bishop and his supporters during a demonstration in Grenville. Despite this violence, independence was declared on February 7, 1974, at a ceremony attended by British Governor Sir Leo de Gale. Eric Gairy then became Prime Minister, but his government quickly descended into corruption and repression, leading to the 1979 Grenada Revolution, in which Maurice Bishop and the NJM overthrew his regime.

Challenges after independence

Under Maurice Bishop's rule, Grenada strengthened its ties with Cuba and the USSR, launching projects such as the construction of an airport at Point Salines with Cuban assistance. However, internal tensions within the government came to a head with the arrest and execution of Maurice Bishop on October 19, 1983, by radical factions led by Bernard Coard. This chaos triggered the US military invasion on October 25, 1983, under Operation Urgent Fury, which toppled the regime within days. Economically, dependence on exports of nutmeg, cocoa and bananas limited growth. At the same time, natural disasters, such as Hurricane Janet in 1955 and Hurricane Ivan in 2004, worsened the island's economic challenges and reconstruction efforts.

Traditional National Day celebrations

The day begins with a ceremony in St. George's, where the government holds a military parade attended by the Prime Minister. The national anthem, "Hail Grenada," is sung across the country. In towns such as Grenville and Gouyave, commemorative marches pay tribute to the figures of independence, notably Eric Gairy and Maurice Bishop. On the festive side, soca and calypso concerts fill the streets, while markets offer dishes such as oil down, the national dish made with coconut milk, salted fish and vegetables. Villages also hold sporting competitions, including boat races at Grand Anse Beach.