Trinidad Culture & Festivals
colourful ethnic mixtures make for colourful festivals year-round
There is a festival for almost every race, and races there are many! Because of a colonial history that has brought together peoples and cultures from Africa, India, Asia, Europe, and the Middle East, today we have firmly entrenched traditions and religious celebrations that represent each of these ethnic groups. From Carnival to Christmas, there’s something going on almost every month. It’s no wonder we enjoy at least 13 public holidays yearly.
From the moment we ring in the New Year, calypsos capture all attention, as does everything else Carnival-related. Carnival is non-discriminating, so regardless of ethnic background, religion, age, or gender, just about every Trini gets caught up in the spirit of Carnival in one way or another. Though many of our other festivals are religious-based, they, too, are becoming all-inclusive.
Eid-Ul-Fitr:
The date for this festival varies, depending on when the new moon is sighted. It marks the end of Ramadan (the ninth month of the Muslim year), during which fasting is practised from sunrise to sunset. Favourite Indian foods are prepared for friends and neighbours of all beliefs as part of the tradition for completing the fast.
Phagwa:
Though no spring season exists in Trinidad, each March the local Hindu community recognises the beginning of spring and the Hindu New Year, as do the Hindus in India. A major hallmark of the festival is the vegetable dye abeer, a fuschia liquid which is sprayed over Phagwa participants. Special singing and dancing competitions are also included in the celebrations.
Spiritual Baptist Liberation Shouter Day:
Recognised with an official public holiday on March 30, this day commemorates the abolition of the British-instituted Shouters Prohibition Ordinance, which forbade participation in this African-influenced religion.
Festival of La Divina Pastora:
A Catholic devotion with origins in Spain, this tribute to the divine Shepherdess now encompasses Hindus who refer to the Black Virgin statue in Siparia’s Catholic Church as Soparee Kay Mai. Held annually on the second Sunday following Easter, the festival is the southern town of Siparia’s claim to fame.
Hosay:
Usually in the first half of the year between March and June, this Islamic-influenced festival begins after a 40-day fast. The event commemorates the martyrdom of the Muslim brothers Hussein and Hassan, grandsons of Mohammed the prophet. The lively three-day street procession combines tassa drumming, dancing and the carrying of tadjahs (replicas of Hussein’s tomb), which are eventually cast into the sea. Popular venues for watching and participating in Hosay activities are St James, Curepe, Tunapuna, Couva, and Cedros.
Arrival Day:
May 30 is a public holiday in recognition of the various races that settled in Trinidad from across the globe.
Emancipation Day:
On August 1, church services, street processions, and special entertainment mark the anniversary of the abolition of slavery (1834-1838).
Santa Rosa Festival:
This event, which takes place in late August, honours the patron saint of the local Carib community. Celebrations take the form of church services, a street procession with the Santa Rosa statue, and traditional Amerindian foods.
Divali: Celebrated in October or November, this Hindu festival is known as the Festival of Lights because of the tradition of illuminating deyas (wick-equipped clay pots) in honour of Lakshmi, the goddess of light, beauty, riches and love.
Though not all of these are official public holidays, there are other religious and non-denominational days that have been designated holidays. Also see: National Festivals and Holidays in Trinidad and Tobago