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Some of the largest Carnival parties are held in South and Central America
and the Caribbean. Trinidad & Tobago Carnival, dubbed "The Greatest Show on
Earth." is one of the largest festival of this kind in the world and is con-
sidered the biggest party in the Caribbean. Every year,tourists and visitors
spend an estimated $1 billion during this time.
There are numerous carnivals throughout the
Caribbean and the world born of or influenced by
Trinidad & Tobago's Carnival.
A ritual over 150 years old, T&T Carnival
season begins just after Christmas (specifically,
January 1st to the Tuesday before (*)Ash Wednesday)
and can last well over one or two months.
This gradually builds up into a massive cele-
bration throughout Trinidad & Tobago. Costumes,
Steelband (steelpan) contest, Calypso and Soca
music competitions, naming of Carnival King and
Queen. All this leads up to the final big days
of celebration when Trinbagonians take to the
streets. The island explodes into a seething mass
of partying - a two-day explosion of colour, music
and non - stop partying before coming to a close
at midnight on Shrove Tuesday, the day before
(*)Ash Wednesday.
Trinidad & Tobago's carnival is a truly beautiful example of how carnival
can unite people, its unique ability to bring people of diverse backgrounds
together.
In this small nation,the beliefs and traditions of many cultures come
together as one, celebrating music and life! "The beauty and excitement of
Trinbago's culture."
(*)"beginning of Lent in Christian tradition"
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Carnival Time Again
