12 Things that are
Truly Trinbagonian By Anna Walcott-Hardy
To label Trinidad and Tobago as unique is an understatement, the islands are buzzing with an indescribable energy. A callaloo-mix of cultures, T&T is home to 1.2 million people, many of whom welcome the challenge of changing adversity into an accomplishment. The fusion of food, festivals and music makes these islands like no other place on earth.
Liming
This is our Trinbagonian way of relaxing and having fun! Whether it’s a couple of friends catching-up at a bar, home entertaining, or partying sea-side, a lime with good friends always include great food and lots of “ole talk”.
Paramin Blue Devils
Bathed in blue these traditional characters emerge at sunset from the hills of Paramin on Carnival Monday to spew flames and wreak havoc on a gleeful crowd of spectators waiting at the crossroads. Words of warning – make sure to pay when the devils ask for a dollar!
Pan Yards
The steel pan was created from oil drums in Trinidad in the 1930s by innovators like Winston ‘Spree’ Simon, Ellie Mannette, Bertie Marshall and Anthony Williams. Steel pan yards are central to communities throughout the island. Many locally crafted percussive instruments were once banned by the colonial government including the Tamboo Bamboo. And yet the community of panmakers, players and tuners thrived in Belmont. Today, panyards can be found across the country, the bands welcome players from far and wide with many yards offering seating and refreshments. FROM TOP
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No Man’s Land
Curried Crab & Dumplin’
Photo: Ziad Joseph
Temple In The Sea Photo: Ziad Joseph
Scarlet Ibis at the Caroni Swamp Photo: Christopher Anderson
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Photo: Damian Luk Pat
Highlanders Steel Orchestra Photo: Maria Nunes