This summer, the Grenada Sports and Wellbeing Foundation, in partnership with the Association for Cultural Equity (ACE), hosted a vibrant multi-week Big Drum dance and drumming program for children and teens in Carriacou. The free program offered young participants a rare opportunity to immerse themselves in one of the island’s most powerful and enduring cultural traditions — the Big Drum.

Rooted in the heritage of Carriacou and the Grenadines, Big Drum music and dance are living expressions of African ancestry, community celebration, and local folklore. Through this program, held at the Mermaid Hotel from July through August, students came together to learn directly from local masters of drumming and dance.

Over the course of six weeks, participants:

• Learned traditional drumming techniques and rhythms from skilled local musicians
• Discovered the movements, stories, and symbolism behind the Big Drum dance
• Gained insight into the history and cultural importance of this art form
• Built friendships and confidence in a supportive, creative environment

For many, it was their first time experiencing Big Drum not just as a performance, but as a living tradition—one that connects generations and celebrates identity.

The Grenada Sports and Wellbeing Foundation and ACE are deeply grateful to everyone who made this program possible—especially the teachers, families, and young people whose enthusiasm and commitment kept the drums beating and the culture alive.

We are working to bring this program back next year!