Trinidad and Tobago Carnival - The modern festival

Undoubtedly the biggest street party in the Caribbean, Trinidad and Tobago carnival is not just about the two days (Monday and Tuesday), but the entire season. Although it is celebrated over the two days before Ash Wednesday, the season kicks off on Boxing Day, the year before. This is generally the starting point for high energy carnival parties (aka fetes), cultural competitions – e.g. Panorama (steelpan competition) and new soca music flooding the radio airwaves. By this point most costume bands (mas bands) designers are at their peak, having already launched the new costume or working tirelessly to launch, to maximise on participation over the two day festivities. It is often said that if the people of Trinidad and Tobago (Trinbagonians) aren’t celebrating

carnival, they are most likely busy preparing for it. Fitness centres are usually fully booked and buzzing, as most people work on getting their stamina levels up and bodies in shape ( usually trying to fit into their extravagantly designed, eye-popping, jaw dropping, imagination bursting, “where the HELL is the rest of it?”-type, costume.) These centres/gyms are a saving grace and often a place for repentance, for those of us who overdid it during the Christmas season.

Carnival is the busiest time of the year as the country’s culture, talent, creativeness, diversity, love and warmth is on display. It’s a blaze of colour merged with insane levels of excitement, fantastic rhythmic music and the loving togetherness of the people. You will never get bored (most likely burnt out) as expectations levels are constantly exceeded. There are numerous events to choose from, which often creates a headache trying to decide which ones to attend. The simple solution, according to one of the biggest Soca artist in Trinidad and Tobago -Lyrikal, is “ to be in this, that and everything”. Some of the must-attend cultural shows and parties are – Panorama – an annual steel band competition, consisting of small, medium and large steel pan orchestras, usually playing a Calypso piece arranged to create an amazing rhythmic tune.

Dimanche Gras – an illustrious display of fashion designs where a King and Queen are chosen from each band that parades the carnival to compete for the overall King and Queen.

International Soca Monarch -The biggest Soca competition in Carnival, with contestants from across the world. Held on Carnival Friday (finals), its known for producing the best Soca tunes for the season.

J’ouvert – Translated from French to mean – “break of day”, is the official start of the two day Carnival celebration. Commonly known as jouvay, this pre-dawn event is one of the last modern carnival festivities that most reflects the origins of Carnival. It usually starts at 4am on Carnival Monday and ends at the break of dawn. It involves participants covering themselves in oil, mud, chocolate, (Cadbury??Mmmm, yum yum…. if only.) paint or powder, partying through the streets. It is the “dirty mas” and delivers a real bond and togetherness.

Trinidad and Tobago Carnival, the modern festival, is not for the faint-hearted. Certainly not for those easily bruised, slow to react and are always tired. Definitely not for your friend, Ms Whinge-a lot. (You will end up doing hard time for that crime). This is the Mother of Carnivals. Designed with pace for maximum fun and entertainment. The Feteland. An explosion of colour and a celebration of love. You are guaranteed to meet new people and make new friends. When you come to the land of Soca, be like the King of Soca (Machel Montano) and do it- “LIKE AH BOSS”.

BY: K. Winchester