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Seasonal
Trips
- October - Divali
Divali is one of Trinidad's most memorable festivals. It is the Hindu
Festival of Lights and usually occurs in October or early November.
It symbolizes the triumph of light over darkness, knowledge over ignorance.
It also commemorates Mother Lakshmi Goddess of Light. On the night of
Divali thousands of deyas are lit, entire communities and villages are
illuminated, and many of the villagers wear traditional East Indian
clothing. 'Members Only' offers a unique experience to visitors: You
are taken to a Hindu Temple and village to view first hand and meet
with villagers as well as walk through the village to see this beautiful
sight, you are also served a traditional Divali meal.
- December
- Parang & Christmas Concerts
Trinidad is best known as the Land of Calypso and Steel Pan, however
at Christmas time, the music that you would hear is completely different.
What you will hear playing is Parang! The old tradition of serenading
in Spanish with guitars, cuatros and maracas. Nowadays Parang music
has evolved into numerous styles and has become a nationwide festival
that has its own association and big annual competitions. The rhythm
is usually Hispanic or Latin and the songs are sung in Spanish. Traditional
Parang is very much alive in Trinidad and Tobago, but it has also expanded
to include the Soca, Calypso and Chutney influences prevalent here.
Some of the modern parang is sung in English with Soca and Chutney melodies
being mixed with the Parang. Parang is generally quite lively and a
lot of fun! In addition there are many traditional Christmas concerts
to attend--the talent and standard being of international quality.
- January - Panyard / Mas Camp
Panyards are the practice spots of panmen. This is where you can experience
steelpan music in the raw and up close and personal. Considering that
most of the players don't read music but memorize an incredible amount
of music from Mozart to Calypsos, to arrangements by local composers,
it is quite a feat. The panyard is open to anyone and a visit to one
of these is well worth the experience. The Mas Camps are a beehive of
industry and creativity, splendid colours, wonderful head pieces, robes
and bikinis that glitter with sequins and beads, the workers scurrying
around feverishly working on them. This is where everything comes together
to make the unforgettable spectacle that is a Carnival
Band. Of course you can sign up at one of these camps to participate
in Carnival!
- Feb/March - Carnival Events
Each year Trinidad & Tobago launches into the biggest outpouring
of energy and creativity ever witnessed. It is not just a 2 day street
parade. Leading up to this, the focus of the entire society changes.
More and more calypsos are played, sounds of steelband fills the air
and bandleaders promote their costumes. Like much of this country's
food and music traditions, Carnival
dates back to the island's multi-cultural roots. The word Carnival comes
from the Latin words 'carne vale' that translates into 'farewell to
flesh'. Introduced to Trinidad in the late 1700's by the French, Carnival
has evolved from the elaborate masquerade balls to the present spectacle
of the streets. Each group of immigrants adding its own touch. It has
evolved into a nationwide party with calypso and steelpan reflecting
the country's multi-ethnic nature. It is a kaleidoscope of colour, cultures
and artistry, which influences all creeds, races and classes. There
are many competitions and shows leading up to the 2 day street parade.
- March
to August - Turtle Nesting Season
One of the most moving experiences the natural world has to offer is
the sight of the giant
female leatherback turtle engaging in her timeless ritual of egg-laying.
Trinidad is fortunate enough to be among these creatures' laying sites.
Each year between March and August these mysterious leviathans of the
deep return to the beach where they were born to begin the cycle anew.
These turtles are the largest of the marine species and weigh between
700 - 1000 lbs and are 5-8 ft in length.
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