If you have never been to or heard of Trinidad Carnival before, you are missing out. In fact, you have not lived.Trinidad and Tobago Carnival is defined as the greatest show on earth. If you don’t believe me, ask international stars like Ludacris, Idris Elba, Trevor Noah, Usain Bolt, Will Smith, and the list goes on. All other carnivals around the world have adopted their versions based on the Trinidad and Tobago model. Essentially, the gold standard and the mother of all carnivals. Of course, you cannot have carnival without soca music, steel band and Calypso. The top soca stars in the world are from Trinidad and Tobago and neighboring Caribbean islands. Trinidad and Tobago is the birthplace of steelpan music, Calypso, Soca, Rapso, Chutney Soca, and limbo dancing. The main carnival events and parties take place in Trinidad, and the cool down after Carnival occurs down the islands or in our twin island Republic, Tobago. A mere 17 mins flight away.
In Trinidad and Tobago, a party is called a fete, and a casual party with a small gathering is called a lime. Trinidadians or “Trinis” as they are affectionately called take partying to a another level. At Carnival time in particular, the partying is legendary. It is non-stop. Many people go to a pre-party before the actual party and a cool down party after the party is down. It’s almost like you are caught up in a euphoria and a bliss of some sort, and you cannot exit this feeling until Ash Wednesday, the start of the Lenten season and the official end of Trinidad Carnival.
If you are a foreigner or a “Trini” who has not returned home for Carnival in over 7 years, and you are reading this article, there are a few things you need to know about Carnival and how it has evolved in Trinidad. First of all, the Carnival starts from New Year’s Day. The season is usually long if Ash Wednesday is in March or the end of February. However, there are some years, like this year 2024, when the season is very short as Ash Wednesday is mid-February. This makes Trinidadians really mad, as it means they have less time to party.
You have several options to enjoy, Carnival. You can fly to Trinidad to party only or to “play mas (parade of the band),” which means put on a costume and jump in the streets, or you can do both. Either way, Trinidad Carnival requires preparation months in advance
How To Prepare For Trinidad Carnival?
- You need a healthy budget. I would recommend a carnival budget of around USD10,000 for the season. Fetes/Parties cost money. The average cost per party is USD150. There are different tiers of parties and you need to dress according to the tier. The most expensive fete for Carnival is “Lime Hyatt Fete” held by the Hyatt hotel in the heart of the capital, Port-of-Spain. You also have to purchase your outfits for all the parties you will be attending , make a down payment on your costume months in advance, find safe and reliable accommodation, and buy your airfare months prior. Most people try to arrive one week before Carnival ends. This is the Wednesday before to Ash Wednesday .
- You need to be fit and healthy. Trinidad Carnival requires stamina. There are multiple things to be done every night. Most people, particularly those taking part in the parade on Monday and Tuesday , preceding Ash Wednesday, hit the gym months prior to get “in shape” for Carnival.
- You need to find a “Trini” friend or relative who understands the fetes to attend at Trinidad Carnival. All fetes are not created equal. If you go to the wrong parties, you will miss the experience.
- Identify the parties you are going to early. Tickets for the best parties sell out fast. You usually have to know a committee member to order tickets for the prime parties. There are all-inclusive parties and bring your cooler parties. Both are nice. Cooler parties can run you about USD100, and the all-inclusive parties are USD200 and above.
- Organize your transport to your hotel or place of temporary residence and to and forth your parties. You can rent a car at Piarco International Airport from Alamo or other car rentals or simply hire a driver to take you everywhere.
- Source affordable accommodation . It is always more affordable to “put up” with friends and relatives to save on accommodation. Instead of staying at a hotel, you can rent a private home or stay with family and friends. Most carnival events happen in the Port-Of- Spain area and the west side of the country. You don’t want to stay too far from the parties, unless you have reliable transport.
Here Are Some Must Do Carnival Activities
Fetes – All inclusive, cooler, backyard jam, Street Party
Concerts: Soca Artiste
Panyard Lime
Stick Fighting
Panorama (Steelpan Competition)
Extempo
Dimanche Gras
Junior Parade of the bands (Children’s Carnival)
J’Ouvert – the beginning of Carnival, usually starts at dawn
Carnival Monday & Tuesday – Parade of the bands
After Carnival Cool Down – Beach lime: Tobago, Down d islands, Maracas, Comedy Festivals, etc