Trinidad and Tobago Carnival

Trinidad's Carnival Is The Greatest Show & Party On Earth.

Thousands of masqueraders costumed and otherwise are enlivened and energized by the homegrown music of calypso and steelband. Nothing else in the world compares.

• Carnival provides an exciting introduction to the vivid, cosmopolitan culture of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago.
• Words alone cannot do Trinidad's Carnival justice. Most who have experienced its images, music and vibrancy will tell you that you have to be there to fully appreciate it.
• Perhaps the best indicator of the level of fun to be had is that many of the few lucky visitors that have made their way to Trinidad during the Carnival vow that they will be back next year.
• Many reserve their hotel and flights a year in advance to ensure that they will not be left out.
• Although carnival itself takes place the Monday and Tuesday before Ash Wednesday, the festivities start well in advance with activities at the Mas camps and the Calypso tents.
• Band launchings with Carnival costume displays are held before Christmas and Calypso ‘tents’, where calypsoes are performed, start in January.
• This extraordinary celebration is considered by many to be safer, more welcoming and artistically more stimulating than its closest rival - the Brazilian Carnival of Rio de Janeiro.
• All other Carnivals, anywhere else in the world pale in comparison to Trinidad's Carnival.
• You can join one of the Mas bands by purchasing a costume and participating in its activities.

Moko Jumbie Characters

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Trinidad Carnival Masqueraders

Carnival in POS

• Major annual competitions take place at the Sunday night Dimanche Gras show at the Queen's Park Savannah immediately preceding the start of J’Ouvert on Carnival Monday. J’Ouvert parades involve cheap and outlandish disguise (Ole Mas), including mud. Characters like the Midnight Robber and the Moko Jumbie are favorites.
• The Monday afternoon and Tuesday parades feature very large, colourful costumed masquerade bands, portraying a wide spectrum of historical and cultural events. All age groups participate - not just by watching but by dancing in the streets.
• Much of the Carnival days activities are centered in downtown Port of Spain, Independence Square and along Frederick Street and at the Queen's Park Savannah. On nearly every corner there are huge sound system and for the "road" dozens of speakers are packed onto tractor-trailer rigs. Music and masquerade are everywhere.
• Tourists even if not familiar with the music, miss none of richness and magic of the Carnival experience. Carnival seems to cast a spell on all peoples regardless of colour, wealth or religion. If there is a party that you should not miss, this is the one.

Last lap is the chance to squeeze the final ounce out of the festival, prior to its official end at midnight on Tuesday.

Why not pay us a visit next carnival? ... Click here for travel reservations