Trinidad and Tobago Carnival is the country's lifeblood. Even for those who don't participate in the annual celebrations (and there are many who don't), most people understand and appreciate the festival's importance. Even aside from the economic boon it brings and the amazing range of artistry it highlights, it is a ritualistic release valve that — when done right — facilitates unity, transformation and rebirth in a multi-ethnic, multi-religious space that often wrestles with issues of race, corruption, and violence.
Because of the restrictions imposed as a result of COVID-19, Trinidad and Tobago Carnival was put on hold for two consecutive years. The 2023 festival will be the first in-person celebration since the start of the pandemic. This year it takes place on February 20 and 21, and it is being met with great joy, anticipation and gratitude. From music to mas, Global Voices will be exploring different aspects of the festival and diving a little deeper to understand what makes Carnival such a treasured time in Trinidad and Tobago.
Stories about Carnival in Trinidad & Tobago from March, 2019
A magical image of a Carnival stilt-walker asserts the legitimacy of public breastfeeding in Trinidad & Tobago
"Eating in public spaces is normal and natural regardless of whether you’re eating off of a plate, a banana leaf or your mother’s breasts."
Website fighting against body-shaming proves Carnival is for #everyBODY
"Thanks to masqueraders like Candice Santana and our followers, we can shed a different light on what true representation of masqueraders looks like."
Carnival may bring out latent body-shaming in Trinidad & Tobago, but this masquerader is having none of it
"My band ran a campaign endorsing all sizes, shapes and shades. This excited me on many levels because truth be told we are a body shaming society."
A palace on stilts: Guyanese novelist Wilson Harris returns to life in Trinidad & Tobago's Carnival
"Everywhere in Harris’ book we are asked to look up. At the sky, at the sun, at houses built on stilts."