More about Trinidad & Tobago

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 TT 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 celebration 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 as well as visitors take to the streets. The island explodes into a seething mass of partying - a two-day explosion of colors, 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"