A place like the island of Trinidad and Tobago in the Caribbean has something every year. Sunny beaches, lively and friendly people, fascinating history, unique local music and cultural attractions, as well as eco-tourism. But even for people who hail from Trinidad and Tobago who have migrated to other countries, it is one of the times of the year when it is best to go home to visit the Carnival.
The islands come to life in spring at Carnival, once a year, a festival that is the last holiday before Lent. This year it falls on February 7. and 8. While Lent is a time of fasting, penance and reflection, Carnival is the exact opposite.
In Latin, Carne Vale or “farewell to the flesh” was used to be properly said when the extremes of human behavior were put on display in the streets. And although the holiday is celebrated from New Orleans to Rio and many places in between, Trinidad and Tobago is one of the most popular festivals for locals and tourists alike to celebrate.
Since it’s a private public holiday, you’ll find the streets packed with people celebrating wildly, in extravagant costumes, especially younger ages and almost no families.
Back in the early days, Carnival came to the islands around 1780 by French settlers. According to Trinidad and Tobago’s official website (www.visittnt.com), some of the traditional Carnival characters include Lady Lorraine, Jab Jab (a diabolical creation that threatens you with horns and a trident); Pierrot Grenade (like a Greek chorus, explaining topical issues in rhyme) and a midnight supplier in those days. But they are still popular images today. It was a holiday for the rural commoners to keep them safe from the upper classes.
So what will Trinidad and Tobago residents find when they join Carnival this year?
J’ouvert, (from French Jour Ouvert which literally means “Open Day”), kicks things off with a bang. But make sure I rest before the real part starts, because there will be two fun days.
It is always Vivaldi as with Carnelian season with charm. A wide variety of music will invite you to dance in the streets – everything from traditional calypso to soca to “ex-tempo” ( music finished at the moment).
You can write about the fact of participating in street festivals or “playing mas”, wearing any of the many links. Bonds are built like Burrokeets where the object is to have fun, not to look good. “Part” bands like Young Harts, Venom, Barbarossa and Legends attract both sports lovers and hard bodies. There are also “yuh mas play” bands that focus on the art of dressing, such as Kallicharan and Wayne Berekley, and the bands Minshall and his Calalloo Company.
Carnival is a time when theatre, entertainment and the lively energy of the people of Trinidad and Tobago come together for a unique experience. And best of all, there’s still time to book your ticket to one of the most exciting shows on earth!
Travel Tips:
• The visa must be valid for 3 months longer than the intended stay in the country
• You must have tickets and documents for return or onward travel
•No Visa required for US citizens or European Union residents to stay up to 3 months
General Safety Tips:
• Always lock your doors, whether you are in your hotel room, car or taxi.
• Never leave your valuables unaccompanied, especially in cars or on the beach or out and about, so that you make yourself an easy target.
•Don’t go out alone at night, especially in poorly lit areas, deserted beaches or scenic spots.
• If you are in doubt about the area in which you are traveling or visiting, ask for advice from hotel staff or call your embassy.
• When traveling, especially from the airport to your destination, use an approved taxi. You can look for details on the accreditation to the information booth at the airport.
• Trust your instincts- if something doesn’t feel right, it probably isn’t.
Report:
- Trinidad and Tobacco Online: www.visittnt.com Accommodations: Old Grange Inn Bed & Breakfast Phone: (868) 639-0275 Fax: (868) 639-9395 www. trinitad.net/grangeinn/index.html Crown Plaza Trinidad Phone: (868) 625-3366 Fax: (868) 625-4677/ 625-2773 www.crowneplaza.com
