Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Each “mas” group, the troupe that follows the bands, is pro-
vided with mud of a different color. Just a few minutes after ar-
riving, ochre-colored handprints were slapped on our backs,
initiating us into the world of mud. Soon we were smeared in an
artist's palette of tinted dirts. Red mud appeared on our cheeks.
Gray mud streaked our legs.
Until sunrise, we shuffled through the streets, part of a mass of
humanity that, for a few days, was determined to forget about
reality and to experience the joy of
Carnival.
It is the largest
such Carnival in the Caribbean, and second only to Rio's blow-
out.
Following Christmas, preparations begin for Carnival. For
weeks, residents celebrate with steel band practices, parties,
and special events. January marks the
Chutney Soca Mon-
arch Competition,
featuring the unique chutney music that
combines calypso and soca, played using East Indian instru-
ments such as the dholak and the dhantal.
The action really heats up in February when nearly daily
events include
National Pan and Junior Calypso contests
and competitions for Carnival King and Queen. The events
come to a climax in the days before
Ash Wednesday,
starting
with
Dimanche Gras
on Sunday night, featuring the most
lavish costumes of Carnival, and followed by
J'Ouvert.
On
Monday and Tuesday, bands process through the streets and
past judges in Carnival activities throughout both islands, the
largest which is held in Port of Spain and culminates at
Queen's Park Savannah.
Carnival is certainly the largest event in Trinidad, but it's just
one of the many festivals that give couples the chance to take
part in the “real Caribbean.” Few places on earth offer as many
types of festivals as do Trinidad and Tobago. With a diverse pop-
ulation that traces its roots back to India, Africa, China, and
the Middle East, these islands present a myriad of opportuni-
ties to celebrate. In Trinidad and Tobago, Christian churches,
Hindu temples, and Muslim mosques stand side by side, each
contributing to the joyous festivals found throughout the year.
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