Things to do for Trinidad and Tobago Carnival, Besides Fete (Part 1)
Trinidad and Tobago Carnival is the mecca of Carnivals! When you are the originators of Caribbean Carnival, it is understandable. Rooted in deep history and rituals, Trinidad and Tobago Carnival exceeds the highlighted two days on the annual calendar. The festival is more of a two-month season, which starts Boxing Day (Dec 26th). Being known for our non-stop partying, one can get lost in the annual list of over 200 fetes! But there are so many things to do for Trinidad and Tobago Carnival, besides fete.
This unmatched cultural spectacle that is Trinidad and Tobago Carnival has many facets. Conceived from rituals and celebrations coming out of slavery, its abolishment and T&T’s multifaceted composition, there is much to celebrate. Here is a list of things to do for Trinidad and Tobago Carnival, besides fete in 2020 and beyond.
LISTEN TO STEELPAN LIVE!
Panyard rehearsals
- When: various panyards, nightly leading up to Panorama finals
Our national instrument is on fine display during Carnival! Depending on where you live or stay in the country you can hear the beating of steel almost every day! As Steelbands perfect their chosen song for their Panorama journey, everyone is welcome to visit the yards.
Panyard hopping
- When: various panyards, 1st Feb – 4th Feb and nightly leading up to Panorama finals
Some people choose one night to visit several bands in the same area (highly popular in Port of Spain). This growing tradition called “Panyard Hopping” or “the Pan Crawl” is best done on the nights most bands rehearse (Thursday – Sunday). The ultimate Panyard Hopping experience, however, is the night of Prelims judging, where the judges visit each panyard for their “home” performances to advance to the semi-finals. The thrill with Panyard Hopping for Prelims is listening to the band give their all in front of the panel and then racing to the next yard before the judges. The movement of scores of people after every performance is a spectacle in and of itself.
Panorama
- Semis (9th Feb 2020), Finals Medium (21st Feb 2020, Tobago) Finals Large (22nd Feb 2020)
Panorama semi-finals and Panorama finals are distinct events, but both highly anticipated. Pan Semis aka Pan Day aka Savannah Party is the ultimate, day-party Pan lime which seemingly shifts the country into a higher gear of revelry for the season. Whereas, Pan Finals transforms the entire Queen’s Park Savannah into a moving musical arts centre! From the strip where you can walk among the bands conducting last-minute practices to the Grand Stand that gives a vantage view of the stage with all the ‘fafoolay’ of a musical showcase, Panorama Finals literally rocks the city!
Ticket Info: Medium Finals: Online purchaseLarge Finals: Online purchase
- More Info: PanTrinbago Website
SEE THE KINGS & QUEENS OF CARNIVAL!
- Junior King and Queen – Prelims (16th Feb 2020), Finals (20th Feb 2020)
- Senior King and Queen – Prelims (13th Feb 2020), Finals (23rd Feb 2020)
- Individuals – Conventional Finals (20th Feb 2020)
Bikini, beads and feathers (BBF) isn’t the only type of mas there is to Trinidad and Tobago’s Carnival. Our designers’ creativity comes alive in the Kings, Queens and Individuals masquerade competitions with detailed designs, larger than life production and pyrotechnic displays that are top-level. One can witness this splendour in person at judging points such as Adam’s Smith Square and the Queen’s Park Savannah on designated days. Seeing these costumes up close is breathtakingly awe-spiring. The chance to witness the level of craftsmanship, take photos and meet the masqueraders behind these beauties is a must-do on your list for Carnival.
Junior Kings & Queens
Prelims: 16th February 2020 | 9 am | Adam’s Smith Square
Cost: $0.00 (free to the public)
Finals: 20th February 2020 | 6:30 pm | Adam’s Smith Square
Cost: $0.00
Senior Kings & Queens
Prelims: 13th February 2020 | 7 pm | Queen’s Park Savannah
Cost: General: $100 | Reserved: $250
Finals: 23rd February 2020 | 7 pm | Queen’s Park Savannah
Cost: General: $100 | Reserved: $250
Individuals
Junior: 16th February 2020| 9 am | Adam’s Smith Square
Cost: $0.00 (free to the public)
Conventional: 20th February 2020 | 6:30 pm | Adam’s Smith Square
Cost: $0.00 (free to the public)
EXPERIENCE TRADITIONAL MAS!
- The Ole Yard – (16th Feb 2020)
- Traditional Characters on Nelson Island – (18th Feb 2020)
- Competitions – St James Traditional Competition (12th Feb 2020) Individual Competition (18th Feb 2020)
Before the BBF there was ole mas and we played ah mas!
Our traditional characters of Carnival are specific cultural icons that have been present for years and helped shaped our celebrations. These characters are always a spectacle to witness, some having specific traditions for their portrayals. Our traditional characters include Moko Jumbies, Blue Devils, Dame Lorraine, Sailors, Pierrot Grenade, The Midnight Robbers, Jab Jab, Baby Dolls, Bats, Bookman, Minstrels, Fancy Indians etc. You can read about each character here.
These characters have their own mas competitions during Carnival but can also be found at events dedicated to them. In particular, the following events are amongst our favourites.
The Ole Yard
- a full cultural experience of architectural replicas, history, and traditional masqueraders executed by the Department of Creative and Festival Arts, University of the West Indies.
The Old Yard*
Info: 16th February 2020 | 7 pm | Adults: $60 | Children: $40
Venue: DCFA Gordon Street St Augustine (Open Campus Quadrangle)
More Info: Facebook events
Traditional Characters on Nelson Island
- a full outdoor production with the traditional characters, Calypsonians and steelpan music on the heritage site off the coast of Trinidad. A notable annual event hosted by the National Trust of Trinidad and Tobago.
Traditional Carnival on Nelson Island*
Info: 18th February 2020 | 9:30 am – 2:30 pm |Nelson Island, Down De Islands
Tickets: Members $200 | Non-Members $250 | All NLCB booths. Online at Suntixx
More Info: 225-4750/706-6316 or info@nationaltrust.tt
Paramin Jab Competition
- the home of the Blue Devils comes alive on Carnival Monday night as they determine the Jab King of the year. With blue bodies, flames of fire, screams and beating tins, this is the best place to experience the Blue Devils and their traditions.
Paramin Jab*
Info: 24th February 2020 | 7 pm | Free
Venue: Fatima Trace, Paramin, Maraval
WATCH & EXPERIENCE STICKFIGHTING
Known as a form of martial arts, Kalinda or Stickfighting is a tradition rooted in African practices. Brought to T&T from slavery this tradition includes rituals of drum playing, chantwells of lavway and dance of mock combat with stick or bois in a gayelle. Integral to our Carnival celebrations, the biggest display is usually found in deep south at St. Mary’s junction, Moruga. Although this event is not for the faint of heart, as stickfighters aim to draw blood, undoubtedly it is a wonderful event to spectate. To feel the energy of rivalry, lavway, drumming and ancestral beckoning is unlike any experience.
UPDATE: National Stickfighting competition 2020 has been cancelled by NCC. However, the boismen are continuing their tradition in the village of Moruga.
Info: Every Friday until Carnival | Free
Venue: St. Mary’s Junction, Moruga
WITNESS THE REENACTMENT OF THE CANBOULAY RIOTS
Would you fight for your Carnival? Well, the riots of 1881 against the British governor happened as a result of a ban on Carnival traditions. The Canboulay Riots is a re-enactment of this historical riots highlighting the importance of Carnival to us as a people. This full-scale, street production happens at 4:00 am on Carnival Friday at Piccadilly Street, POS! The celebration of these riots also now includes traditional practices like Tamboo Bamboo, Stick Fighting and characters like Gorillas, Blue Devils and Baby Dolls. The 3:00 am wake up call is worth this street theatre production!
These are just 5 of our 9 suggestions. Look out for Part 2 of things to do for Trinidad and Tobago Carnival, besides fete.