Trinidad > Activities > Carnival
A huge, joyful, carefree celebration, Trinidad’s Carnival—by far the biggest in the Caribbean— consumes almost the entire country. The two days of Carnival itself are not national holidays, but shops and offices especially in Port of Spain, close their doors, and general business comes to a respectful halt in favour of the revelry. In the days, even months, leading up to the event, almost every aspect of Trini life has some connection with pre-Carnival activities, from corporate calypso competitions to fund-raising fêtes (fête being the French word for a huge outdoor party). Carnival is nothing short of a national obsession, a fixation that stems from the fact that in Trinidad, perhaps more than anywhere else, it is an overwhelmingly participatory event. It’s not something you simply watch, but something you’re a part of—a festival that belongs to everybody. Carnival’s principal components are calypso, steelpan and playing mas (masquerade). In the historic capital City of Port-of-Spain, Trinidad, these elements are harmoniously structured to form a five-day ritual pageant beginning with the King & Queen of the Bands (Friday), Panorama (Saturday), Dimanche Gras (Sunday), J’Ouvert (Monday) and the Parade of the Bands (Tuesday). These main events and countless others build to an unforgettable epiphany of beauty and stunning display of the irrepressible human spirit before concluding and allowing the quiet first day of Lent and reflection known as Ash Wednesday, to be admitted to consciousness. So, if you’re here for Carnival in hot and sunny Trinidad and Tobago here are a few useful tips.
• Wear light, comfortable clothing. Swimsuits aren’t usual city wear, only on Carnival Monday and Tuesday, when anything goes, well…almost.
• Wear comfortable shoes with proper heel and arch support e.g. track shoes or trainers. Sport sandals work well also. There is a lot of walking involved at Carnival time.
• Carry Identification with you, including your address while in Trinidad.
• Try the local cuisine from the roadside vendors; just remember to look for the food handler’s licence and observe hygiene and sanitation when purchasing food.
• Carry and use lots of sunscreen lotion. You don’t want to miss the party because of sunburn.
• Drink lots of fluids. Carnival falls in the Dry Season, so you can get dehydrated easily without recognizing it.
• Ask for assistance if you need it. There are many uniformed police, guards, tourism officers, etc. available to direct and help you.
• Check the newspapers daily for the things to do that day.
• Follow your instincts. If it feels right, do it. If it feels wrong, don’t do it.
• Bring (and wear) a shady hat (baseball caps will work) and sunglasses. The sun can be BRIGHT!
• Use common sense, and enjoy yourself.
As a visitor to Trinidad and Tobago, you can learn more about Carnival by paying a visit to the Carnival Institute of Trinidad and Tobago. The Carnival Institute is a subdivision of the National Carnival Commission (NCC), facilitator of the Carnival celebrations. It is a research-based organisation whose primary function is to comprehensively document and catalogue, using both interviews and multimedia, all things dealing with Carnival. The Institute is currently housed in The Normandie hotel in St Ann’s, and is managed by a consultant, musicologist Pat Bishop.