Adventure
There is an adventure for every day of the week, from hiking through rain forests on the trail of hidden waterfalls and exploring deep caves, to cycling through verdant countryside, turtle watching and kayaking past wildlife filled forests.Biodiversity
For eco enthusiasts, Trinidad has more than 450 bird species, 108 types of mammals, 55 reptiles, 25 amphibians and 620 types of butterflies; ranking the island as one of the richest outposts of biodiversity in the Caribbean. It's South America in a Caribbean Island.Bird Watching
Trinidad is home to some of the most diverse and spectacular bird life in the Caribbean. This variety can be attributed to the island's location on the tip of South America. Home to the Asa Wright Nature Centre, a world renowned centre for bird watching, Trinidad's size and accessibility to popular sites, ensures many species can be seen without long drives or treks.Business
Robust energy and manufacturing sectors have contributed to Trinidad's reputation as a hub of economic activity, investment and leisure in the Caribbean. Though small, the island has hosted several high profile international events, including the 2007 Cricket World Cup. In addition more than 150 international companies, including British Gas, Citibank and Unilever had established bases of operation on our shores.Carnival
Many countries in the world boast of Carnival celebrations, but none quite so stunning and all embracing as Trinidad's national festival. Whether you decide to be a spectator on the sidelines, douse yourself in chocolate and join the J'Ouvert revelry or don a fabulous costume and dance the day away, our Carnival is an unforgettable experience.Culture
The diversity of our people is also reflected in the islands' numerous festivals. Each individual culture is celebrated by the collective peoples that inhabit these islands. In Trinidad and Tobago, we celebrate the Hindu festival of Divali, the Muslim festival of Eid-ul-Fitr and numerous Christian festivals, including Christmas.Fishing
With an abundance of game fish, Trinidad is a sport angler's dream.Fed by the rich outflow of the Orinoco River, Trinidad's waters attract big game fish. Species such as Tarpon, Tuna and Shark are plentiful year round with Sailfish, Marlin, Wahoo and Dolphin making seasonal appearances. Trinidad also plays host to several exciting international fishing tournaments, including the Kingfish Tournament in June, Tarpon Bash in August and Wahoo Tournament in early March.
Shopping
Bargains abound in Trinidad. You can shop just about anywhere on the island, from towns boasting hundreds of small variety shops and family-run businesses to large multi-level shopping malls. Trinidad's capital, Port of Spain, is also known for its fabric merchants and their vast inventory of textiles for all occasions.Meetings, Conventions and Exhibitions
Host nation for the upcoming Caribbean Hotel and Tourism Investment Conference in May 2008, Trinidad has a successful track record for hosting regional and international meetings and conferences. As a destination for meetings, Trinidad will add an additional 47,000 square ft to available function space when the 428 room Hyatt Regency Trinidad Hotel and Conference Centre opens in January 2008.Restaurant and Bar Hopping
Our reputation for sumptuous, mouth-watering culinary fare is a legacy of Trinidad's cultural and ethnic diversity. The flavours of the India, Africa, China, Syria and Europe have combined to create a distinct taste that is all our own. Restaurants and bars, from white linen service to street stalls, are found in every corner of Trinidad and food festivals are growing in popularity.Steelpan
The steelpan is Trinidad and Tobago's national instrument. During the Carnival season, music lovers crowd the "yards" of their favourite bands as they practice in preparation for Panorama, the annual competition for steel pan bands. These sessions are free, open to the public, and can stretch into the wee hours of the morning. Outside of the Carnival season, music lovers can look forward to the Laventille Steelband Festival, a street parade, and Pan Yard Sensations, a series of steelpan concerts hosted by the Tourism Development Company Limited.From Boxing Day it is non-stop partying until Carnival Sunday.
It is during this post Christmas period that calypso tents open their doors to the public and cultural shows, from Limbo competitions to massive soca concerts, begin.
Radio stations begin to play the latest soca hits and many masquerade bands launch their new themes.
Steelbands begin intense preparations for Panorama, the annual competition for steel pan bands. Preliminary contests are hosted at panyards throughout the country during the six weeks leading up to Carnival. Panorama finals are the ultimate test of musical skill. Representing the best of the best, selected bands compete before judges and thousands of spectators the Saturday night before Carnival officially begins.
Origins of Carnival
Like the cosmopolitan mix of peoples and cultures that shaped the island, Trinidad's Carnival has many influences. The Spanish and English colonial powers, French planters, African slaves, Indian indentured labourers, and the many other ethnic groups that settled here have all left an indelible mark on the festival. In 1783 the French brought their culture, customs and Carnival, in the form of elaborate masquerade balls, to Trinidad along with African slaves. The period stretching between Christmas and the start of Lent was a time for feasting, fancy dress balls and celebration for both the French and British. Banned from the festivities, slaves in the barrack yards would hold their own celebrations mimicking their masters' behaviour while incorporating rituals and folklore. Once slavery was abolished in 1838, the freed Africans took their Carnival to the streets and, as each new immigrant population entered Trinidad, a new flavour was added to the festivities. Today, our diverse culture has influenced the music, food and traditions of Carnival.
More than steelpan, masqueraders and calypso, Tobago's Carnival celebrations embrace many of the island's traditions. Speech bands, whip wielding devils called jab jabs (from French diable), bottle and spoon bands and African drumming are incorporated into the island's celebrations. Tobago's Carnival is laid back when compared to the frenzied festivities in Trinidad.The two day climax of pre-Lenten Carnival celebrations kick off between 4 and 5 am on Carnival Monday with J'Ouvert (French patois for opening of day). J'Ouvert revellers covered in mud, men dressed as women or costumed in nightgowns and waving chamber pots, party till daylight on the streets of Scarborough, Tobago's capital. From around noon on Carnival Monday to late Carnival Tuesday, Scarborough belongs to the revellers of masquerade bands - largely comprised of women in revealing feathered and sequined costumes.
In the weeks prior to Carnival, Tobago also hosts cultural events. There are calypso competitions, where the island's calypsonians compete to be crowned Calypso Monarch. Calypso tents showcasing the island's singing talents spring up and steelbands compete for a chance win the title of Tobago Panorama Champions.
No comments:
Post a Comment