News & Events: Trinidad Carnival – The Greatest Show on Earth

The History of Carnival

This year, on February 15 & 16 we celebrate Carnival in Trinidad & Tobago.  It’s the Greatest Show on Earth!

Explaining just a little of our history will help to explain the true multicultural nature of our society and the origins of Carnival.

Trinidad & Tobago were colonies of both Spain and England during our history. But it was under the British rule that the French settled in Trinidad bringing their African slaves, customs and culture. The wealthy French plantation owners would hold fancy balls, wearing masks, wigs and beautiful dresses while partying throughout the night. The slaves, mocking their French masters would have their own private Carnivals which were really a mix of their African culture, traditions and folklore and the costuming of their French masters. When slavery was abolished, the freed Africans started to have their own carnival celebrations in the streets that became more and more elaborate, and soon became more popular than the French balls.

Today Carnival has evolved into what is often referred to as “The Greatest Show on Earth” and has spawned similar celebrations throughout the word including those in Toronto, Miami, Brooklyn, Nottingham and several other Caribbean islands.

So What’s Trinidad Carnival Like?

During Carnival the entire country shuts down so that everyone has a chance to celebrate. My best description of Carnival would be an explosion of music, color, creativity and revelry. Preparations for this annual festival begin just before Christmas and culminate in a gigantic 2 day costumed street party with masqueraders dancing to the pulsing rhythms of our own soca music. It’s a party that’s open to everyone.

Our Carnival celebration has been referred to as a mirror that reflects the faces of the many immigrants that have made Trinidad their home, including Europeans, African, East Indians and Chinese – we truly are a multicultural society and a rainbow people.

Have a look at Kiddies Carnival in Trinidad

Have a look at my YouTube video to get a glimpse of our children “playing mass” at the 2010 Kiddies Carnival Competition. I think you’ll be surprised at the level of sophistication and pageantry involved – AWESOME!
Carnival is just a whole lot of FUN.

If you ever have the opportunity to visit Trinidad, come and participate in our Carnival celebrations. I think you’ll be blown away. Can having so much fun be legal??  Well it is in Trinidad.