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Trinidad And Tobago: Caribbean Carnival at its Best
If you like pulsating music, dancing in the streets, spectacular cultural events and parading masqueraders, then tropical Trinidad and Tobago's annual spring Carnival should not be missed.
The islands of Trinidad and Tobago, just off the coast of South America, boast of an ethnically diverse population of 1.3 million, predominately African and Indian, in addition to Chinese, Lebanese, European and Amerindian. At Carnival time, burdens are forgotten, barriers fall and all from this cultural mosaic come to together to party!
Carnival's Past Is As Colorful As Its Present
The stories of Carnival's past are as colorful as the revelers costumes. Some trace the festival's roots to the rites of Bacchus in ancient Greece, some to its position in the Christian calendar- marking lent and others emphasize the importance of the African rhythms wafting through Carnival's air.
Still many believe, that early in the last century, the working population mimicked the colonial authorities' extravagant balls by creating a cast of unflattering Carnival characters such as devils called JabJabs, human donkeys called Burrokeets and bandits called Midnight Robbers. While their origins may be hazy, these questionable characters can still be seen during Carnival today.
The Modern Carnival
At the beginning of the year, just two days before Ash Wednesday Carnival occurs. It is an entire season of events, which is concluded with a two-day “bacchanalian street party” on Carnival Monday and Carnival Tuesday. This festive occasion also known as “the greatest show on earth” can be compared to the high-spirited atmosphere of Mardi Gras in New Orleans. Preparations for Carnival are made as early as December. In the weeks preceding Carnival, many people go to parties and special events, where one can hear the sweet sounding music of calypso (a music form heavily influenced by Jazz) and soca (a derivative of calypso with a mixture of soul music).
Creativity At Its Personal Best
The artistic talents of this nation are abundant. Prior to Carnival, tourists can join the locals at the panyards, where large steelbands practice their beat on a very different drum - the only non-electric instrument invented in this century. The Calypso tents, on the other hand, offer calypsonians (people who sing calypsos) a stage to showcase their talent.
Competitions are staged throughout the country with the finalists strutting their stuff at the Queen's Park Savannah. The public can purchase tickets to the Kings and Queens semi-final costume extravaganza, the Junior Parade of Bands, the National Panorama Finals and the Dimanche Gras Show. Known as one of the biggest events of the season, the Dimanche Gras Show brings together the nation’s calypsonians who compete against each other for the Calypso Monarch Title. Also at the event are the Kings and Queens of the different Carnival bands. Decked out in massive and colorful costumes, which are sometimes designed with robotic movements and pyrotechnics, the Kings and Queens parade in an attempt to win the crown for their band.
Port Of Spain's Jump Up
Carnival is celebrated all over the Republic of Trinidad & Tobago, but the biggest bash is held in the capital city of Port of Spain. Since the constitution is suspended during Carnival, all inhibitions go by the wayside.
Every year at 2 am, Carnival Monday begins with J'Ouvert, where thousands congregate on the street, dancing alongside a favorite floating steelband. Be forewarned: this "Jump Up" gets messy so wear throw away clothes cause mud and paint may be flying in your direction.
Many first timers enjoy Carnival as a spectator, but by your second visit you'll want to participate in the celebrations. Through the Trinidad & Tobago Tourism website, one can pre-join a mas band and select a costume. The average costume costs from $200-300. King and Queen costumes are priced from $500-900 and are breathtakingly beautiful.
Onlookers can catch the thousands upon thousands adorned in the most creative of designs parade for hours and hours across the Queen's Park Savannah stage - dancing and gyrating for all to see.
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