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CatLovers · 05-28-2007, 04:39 PM

If you've never experienced a Trinidad carnival, I recommend it!

We were in Trinidad (and Tobago) earlier this February for most of the week leading up to Carnivale and a part of Carnivale weekend. Wow! It was an experience we won't ever forget. We experienced true "joie de vivre" - people who were simply celebrating life, love and a good time. And the energy and action is non-stop. While there is alcohol involved, this is not a crazy drunken college Spring break week event; rather the event has deep cultural and historical roots and the parade is incredible. It goes on forever. We got to a spot on the parade route at about 9:30 AM; it had already been going for a while. We left at about 3:30 PM, and it was expected to go on till at least 11 PM at night. Yes, the parade was that long. As tourists, you can sign up (at various price points) to be part of a "tribe" in the parade, or you can just watch. This time around we just watched, but next time, I'm going to be in the parade, and I've already selected the "tribe" I want to sign up with.

Anyway, I just wanted to say that if any of you have ever thought about doing this, just go ...

Btw, RCI has one timeshare resort in T&T but it's in Tobago. The real Carnivale happens in Trinidad, so plan on spending some time there. We spent a few days in Trinidad in a guest house, and then went on to a week of sun, sand and relaxation in Tobago.

Glitter Brunello · 05-28-2007, 05:18 PM

And if Trinidad is too far, they do a pretty decent Carnivale in Brooklyn on the same dates...

Faust · 06-16-2007, 11:31 PM

Catlovers,
Thanks for your post on Carnival in Trinidad & Tobago

You help me make a decision and follow my wish list.

We will be going to Carnival in Trinidad in 2009. Do you have any recommendations on guest house, one that would be close to the parade and reasonable price?

CatLovers · 06-17-2007, 06:08 PM

I am so envious!

First, I should point out that I made a typo in my earlier post. I said that you can sign up (at various price points) to be part of a "tribe" in the parade; I should have said that you could sign up to be part of a "mas crew" (mas is short for masquerade and pronounced "mass"). Each of the mas crews (and there are many!) have their own focus and niche. "Tribe" is the name of the one of the crews - it's the "party" group - the largest one, and very well organized with its own security, bar trailers (beverages - alcoholic or not), D'John trailers (port-a-potties), and rest trailers. Btw, all these trailers are part of the parade. Tribe is definitely the party crew - for your sign-up fee, you get a costume (usually fairly skimpy, but don't let that stop you, it doesn't stop anyone else), 4 or 5 meals, unlimited beverages - and is very popular with all ages (and shapes and sizes). However, when we go back to Trinidad for Carnivale next time, I am going to "play the mas" and sign up with Brian McFarlane's crew. His focus is elaborate costumes that have historical and cultural significance. I know his sign-up fee is higher, but his costumes were INCREDIBLE! He won several awards in 2007's Carnivale, and I understand from our Trini friends that he wins them every year. My only concern is that because they are so elaborate (and not skimpy), they look like they might get really warm!

Okay, on to your question Faust about guesthouses in Trinidad. We stayed at a place called Melbourne Inn on French Street. First the pluses - great location (pretty much on the Carnivale route) and very reasonably priced (USD100 a night for a double with private bath during Carnivale, USD50 on earlier nights). The biggest negative for us was that it was a little too basic. I guess we've gotten spoiled because we're timeshare people, but in hindsight, hubby and I have discovered that what worked for us when we were college students just doesn't suit us anymore. It had everything it advertised - private bath, double bed, and a/c - yet we felt like we were in college budget accommodation. Even the fact that we spent most of our days out and about and only slept there wasn't enough to overcome its basic-ness. We've decided that next time, we'll pay high-season rates and stay at the Hilton (or equivalent). That's just us though; make your own decision, I just want you to know what to expect. It wasn't unsafe or anything, just basic. From talking to our local friends, it seems like this is the norm for what you'll get in guesthouses right in Port-of-Spain. If you're willing to go out of town, you'll get better, but then you'll miss the excitement in town (which is worth it).

You didn't ask, but here are some other ideas for when you're there. Carnivale itself runs on Monday-Tuesday, and that really is the peak. The highlight on those two days IS the parade (and they run in several locations). In the days/nights preceding, most of the activities are around the preparation for the big event. On any evening you can ask someone to point you towards one of the many panyards. Panyards are where the different steel bands practice for the parade and competitions, and you can just walk in. There's no fee, and you never really know what you're going to get, but it's lots of fun. Take bug spray. Also ask for directions to some of the local mas (again short for masquerade) camps - this is where parade participants are putting the finishing touches on their parade costumes; also cool to watch. In the week preceding is also the Queen and King competition; we didn't go, but we hear that it's great fun. Definitely go to a Friday night fete (before Carnivale Monday). Also an ABSOLUTE MUST-SEE is a calypso tent. Again, lots of them to choose from - we went to Kaiso House which we recommend highly. The star of the show is a local calypso legend "Shadow" (part-owner of the Kaiso House) and he is best known for his song "I coulda". I don't know how to describe the Kaiso House experience other than to say that we've never been to anything like it before, and we were so glad that we went. It's a stage show, the audience sits in theatre-style seating, and it's about 2-3 hours long. Calypso, as you may already know, is story-telling thru song and music, and in today's T&T it is a forum for social and political commentary, as well as for humour and silliness. We missed a lot of the humour (local jokes) but the local crowd loved it! On Friday before Carnivale is the children's parade. Definitely worth your while. It runs thru downtown Port-of-Spain, and focuses more on the historical and cultural significance of Carnivale. No skimpy costumes or booze at this one, so a completely different vibe than the main Carnivale parades. Btw, each parade is awesome in its own way.

One of the most amazing things about Carnivale in Trinidad is the "joie de vivre" that seems to cut across all genders, ages, and backgrounds. You'll see wizened grandmothers participating just as you will see children. Fat people, skinny people, people of all colours, backgrounds and races just have a good time! I'll give you an example of what I mean by joie de vivre. I live in Calgary Canada which is home to the Calgary Stampede every July. I have many friends in town whose first instinct is to get out of town during the Stampede because of the crowds and the traffic. They hate it! I don't think I've met a single local Trini who wants to get out of town during Carnivale. They can't wait for it - a true joie de vivre.

Faust, I'm so excited that you're going. PM me or post if you have other questions.

Faust · 03-09-2008, 04:19 AM

Eleven months and counting down to Trinidad & Tobago Carnival

2009 - 23rd & 24th February

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Trinidad & Tobago Carnival Festival Dates:

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