As Grenada continues its rebuilding efforts following the impact of Hurricane Ivan on September 7th, its sister islands of Carriacou and Petite Martinique, which sustained minimal damage from the storm, are now fully restored and back in operation.ÊWith the 27th Annual Carriacou Parang Festival just around the corner, there is no better time to visit beautiful Carriacou. A cultural extravaganza, the 27th Annual Carriacou Parang Festival, taking place December 17th - 19th, 2004, celebrates the unique music, dance, entertainment and traditions of Carriacou.ÊTo help commemorate the festivities, a number of hotels, guesthouses and dive shops are offering special rates during the time of the event. A low season summer rate extends into April 2005 at the Silver Beach Hotel. Standard rooms start at just US$35 a night.ÊFor more information, contact the resort at (473) 443-7337.ÊThe Carriacou Grand View Hotel is offering a “Stay for Seven Nights, Pay for Six Nights” special that will run throughout 2005. Standard rooms start at just US$45 a night. For more information visit www.carriacougrandview.com.

The Carriacou Parang Festival begins on Friday, December 17th with an open-air concert in the streets of Hillsborough featuring carol singing, cultural presentations and parang string bands. Following this, the bands will travel around the island “paranging” from house to house all night.ÊAll festivities this evening are free.Ê

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