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TRINIDAD AND TOBAGO: THE HOME OF CARNIVAL
Trinidad and Tobago’s Carnival is known as the “Greatest Show on Earth”, renowned for its vibrancy as the world’s most authentic carnival celebration. The highlight of Trinidad’s carnival experience is the grand street parade on Carnival Monday and Tuesday, although festivities begin just after Christmas and culminate on Ash Wednesday. Expect dozens of high-energy parties and premier cultural competitions along the way. It’s a colourful and exuberant festival showcasing our beautiful destination’s rich cultural heritage.
From its diverse people, history and culture to its amazing biodiversity, Trinidad and Tobago breaks the mould of the typical Caribbean destination. It boasts a year-long calendar of cultural events and festivals, friendly, multi-ethnic people, and incredible adventures.
CARNIVAL 2025
Trinidad and Tobago Carnival will take place from 3rd to 4th March 2025. Numerous cultural events precede the street parade on Carnival Monday and Tuesday, including fetes (parties), Canboulay/Kambule, stick fighting, calypso competitions, soca competitions, steel pan competitions, and more. Revellers participate in playing mas throughout the parade.
A LOOK AT SOME OF OUR UNIQUE CARNIVAL EXPERIENCES
The excitement at the Stick Fighting Finals at Skinner Park in San Fernando, Trinidad
Carnival Tuesday at the Socadrome in Port of Spain, Trinidad
Kes and Jimmy October perform at Kes IzFestival at Brian Lara Cricket Academy in Tarouba, Trinidad
J’OUVERT
The start of Carnival Monday
This festivity kicks off at 4:00 a.m. on Carnival Monday morning, showcasing participants covered in paint, mud, and oil while dancing through the streets to the pulsating rhythms of soca, calypso, and steelpan music. It’s a time of revelry and freedom, where people shed their inhibitions and embrace the spirit of Carnival. J’ouvert stands as a reminder of the people’s resilience and creativity, serving as a time for communities to come together, celebrate their heritage, and revel in the joy of life.
PLAYING MAS
The Greatest Show on Earth
After J’ouvert early on Monday morning and all day on Carnival Monday and Tuesday, thousands of masqueraders flood the streets. They dance to the exhilarating sounds of soca music in elaborate costumes adorned with feathers, beads, and sequins, often depicting various themes. Mas bands compete for prizes and bragging rights. This is the apex of the Trinidad and Tobago Carnival experience – the only place to witness Carnival in its purest and most vibrant form.
KINGS & QUEENS
Our vibrant artistry on display
Known as “Dimanche Gras”, Trinidad’s Kings and Queens Carnival competition showcases immense imagination and skill from costume designers. Intricately detailed costumes and floats are displayed and carried by individuals. Often tied into specific mas band themes, competitors present their dazzling creations for judges. The competition also incorporates the finals of the National Carnival Calypso Monarch competition – a highly esteemed event showcasing numerous legendary artists. The competition remains a significant part of Trinidad and Tobago’s vibrant calypso culture. As a long-standing tradition deeply ingrained in the Carnival culture, the King and Queen of Carnival competition draws spectators from around the world.
PANORAMA
The sweet sounds of pan
The Panorama competition in Trinidad and Tobago is the world’s premiere steel band competition, culminating on the Saturday before Carnival. The championship band is chosen from the 60 to 80 bands that enter the preliminaries; each band consists of 75 to 200 musicians. This grand event is an integral part of the annual Carnival celebrations and is fiercely contested, showcasing the talents of steel bands from across Trinidad and Tobago.
WATCH OUR ECLECTIC CARNIVAL ON DISPLAY
The official video for Feel the Love by DJ Private Ryan & Freetown Collective. Shot in Trinidad & Tobago during Carnival season, in partnership with #visitTrinidad.
Looking back to Trinidad and Tobago Carnival 2020 with Chandra Maharaj.
Steelpan lovers move from panyard to panyard for the North Panorama Large preliminary judging steelpan crawl.
The re-enactment of Canboulay Riots, held on Carnival Friday at Piccadilly Greens.
The Fancy Indian: Traditional Mas Characters from Trinidad and Tobago Carnival
Pierrot Grenade: Traditional Mas Characters from Trinidad and Tobago Carnival
Dame Lorraine: Traditional Mas Characters from Trinidad and Tobago Carnival
Midnight Robber Final: Traditional Mas Characters from Trinidad and Tobago Carnival
Bat Mas: Traditional Mas Characters from Trinidad and Tobago Carnival
Blue Devils: Traditional Mas Characters from Trinidad and Tobago Carnival
White Monday with the 86ix8 Family and The Lost Tribe as they were gathered together throughout the streets of Port of Spain in their White Garments.
Greeted with only smiles & familiar faces, here’s a look into The Lost Tribe Village for the 86ix8 Family’s costume collection.
