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Carnival in Trinidad and Tobago

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There are two kinds of people; those who love the Caribbean, and those who haven’t been there yet. When it comes to carnival, there are another two kinds of people; those who like to join in, and those who like to watch. Wherever you stand on each of these things, you have two good reasons to visit the Caribbean during Carnival time.

Ask a carnival fan where the best one is, and they will probably say Rio or Trinidad. However, Trinidad feels safe, friendly and fun in comparison to the inner-city whirlwind that is carnival in Rio de Janeiro.  Just like in parts of Brazil, it could be said that when residents are not celebrating carnival, they are getting ready for it. Participants spend a lot of time throughout the year preparing for the event itself; constructing spectacular, complex costumes and floats, rehearsing choreography and preparing music. Dancers, steel bands, sound-systems and everyone else share a common competitive aim – to make the biggest impact they can ‘on de road’ at carnival time.

Dancers at Trinidad Carnival

(Image:http://www.flickr.com/photos/aforum/)

Trinidad & Tobago, where the art-form originated, is still home to many of the world’s finest Steel Pan orchestras. The mellower, more thoughtful political and satirical strains of traditional Calypso have largely given way to the thumping, jumping sounds of modern Soca sound-systems, but this is by no means a bad thing for the party-goer; high-energy, fast tempo Soca gets the crowds moving in a big way.

Highlights of carnival in Trinidad and Tobago include the many musical competitions, which have become common to most Caribbean carnivals as the flavours of Trinidad have spread to the other islands. To be crowned as the year’s Calypso Monarch is one of the country’s highest honours, and leading Calypsonians (Calypso songwriters) compete for the title in a live carnival event which is also aired on national television. Participants from the various Mas bands compete for the titles of ‘King’ and ‘Queen’ of the bands, awarded for their overall presence in the parade. Judged on the quality of their performances in the Panorama competition, the highly rehearsed steel pan groups vie against one another for the title of Panorama champion. There are also various awards for the best Mas bands in the Road March (parade), and competitions for limbo, stick-fighting and more.

Needless to say, islanders are used to tourists getting involved in carnival, and visitors are welcomed in many of the parading Mas bands. In terms of history and religious significance, carnival happens the week before Lent, when traditionally Catholic populations all round the world prepared for the austerity of Lent by saying ‘farewell to the flesh’ (carne-vale) in one massive, self-indulgent party. Carnival normally starts heating up in January, culminating with the parade of the bands in March or April. For many people, carnival is what Trinidad & Tobago is all about, so why would they visit at any other time of year? This means early booking is essential, for good reason.

If you are a confirmed carnival enthusiast, a lover of Caribbean culture, or someone who just has to check out one of the best parties in the world, Trinidad and Tobago carnival should be right at the top of your list.

Written by Raoul Duke

Raoul Duke is a lover of music, travel, art and fine dining. When he isn’t typing, Raoul is usually planning his next trip; the current challenge is deciding between between Tobago holidays and Grenada holidays for carnival 2012…

 


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