T&T Carnival in a Coconutshell

by Crystal Thomas

Things are just as they should be. The sun is hot and shining down on the masqueraders with colorful costumes. They are dancing and moving like rivers flowing through the streets of Trinidad and Tobago. Beads, feathers, whole suits and bikinis adorn the bodies of the people playing Mas on Carnival Monday and Tuesday. Carnival in Trinidad and Tobago started as early as the 19th century from the slaves passing on a bit of there culture.

Carnival in my sweet country of Trinidad and Tobago, also known as "Sweet T&T," is one of the most anticipated seasons of the year. Some people even say it is bigger than Christmas. Just days before Carnival, stores are filled with females looking for the right stockings, make-up, and accessories to go with their costumes.

The main events start off with Fantastic Friday, where the International Soca Monarch competition is held. The Best soca artists from all over the globe come to put their best foot forward in hopes of winning the grand prize of a large sum of money, a car, and most of all the bragging rights to be called a Soca King or Queen for the year. Then there is Carnival Saturday and Sunday where the children parade their costumes through the streets to be judged. The children tend to showcase more traditional costumes such as Pierrot Grenade, Jab Jabs, Midnight Robbers, and Dame Lorraine. Dimanche Gras takes place on Sunday night. It is the calypso competition and grand event in the Queens Park Savannah. After that competition people take to the street for what we call J`Ouvert. J`Ouvert occurs in the wee hours of the morning where the mud devils come out. If you go to J'Ouvert, you will most likely end up covered with mud or paint, dancing behind a music truck until Monday morning when the parade of bands are getting ready begin their day. Carnival Monday and Tuesday are the main days where the adults of different bands put on their costumes and show off their colorful attire in the streets for the judges and the people (locals and tourists). People are always amazed at the beautiful display of color and craftsmanship. This parade goes until midnight.

On Ash Wednesday some people choose to attend church to observe the meaning of the day. Some choose to stay at home for some well deserved rest and relaxation. Others go to Maracas Beach for the event called Ash Wednesday Cool Down where music plays, artists perform, and people just enjoy themselves while eating bake and shark.

Then life is back to normal. Children go to school and adults return to work. And that’s Carnival in a Coconut Shell.