Port of Spain, Trinidad – It is no surprise that to many, Trinidad & Tobago is considered the cultural capital of the Caribbean and has the distinction of being one of the few countries that highlights, in harmony, the influence that Asians, Europeans, Africans and indigenous Amerindians have on local traditions.
Home to one of the world’s most all inclusive celebrations, Carnival, a cultural festival that is fueled by pulsating rhythms, brightly colored costumes and jubilant revelers, the destination also delights in a festive assortment of events that showcase its diverse heritage and culture.
Whether paying homage to the islands’ rich African traditions during the Tobago Heritage Festival or celebrating the harmony between culture and religion through the Santa Rosa Festival in Trinidad, visitors traveling to Trinidad & Tobago will have the chance to take part in some of the islands’ revered events this summer.
Tobago Heritage Festival
July 16 – August 1
This annual event is a tribute to the island’s traditions and the profound impact of the destination’s predominant African heritage. Tobagonians from various communities have used this celebration of culture to educate and entertain visitors and the youth. Each village contributes its own unique presentation. The main event each year is the traditional Ole Time Wedding, hosted in the village of Moriah. This marriage ceremony highlights the influences of European culture on the local population featuring a colorful procession of the satin-garbed and top-hatted wedding party and guests dancing in the streets. For more information, visit www.visittobago.gov.tt or call the Heritage Office at 868.639.4441.
Emancipation Day
August 1
This public holiday commemorates the liberation of African slaves throughout the English speaking Caribbean in 1839. Since 1985, locals celebrate this day every August with a strong emphasis on African-oriented cultural events such as street parades featuring towering moko jumbies or stilt-walkers, an Emancipation Village in Port of Spain that offers arts and crafts as well as a live showcase with both local and international performers. In addition, the Great Race, a power boat race from Trinidad to Tobago takes place during this weekend.
Tobago Muhtadi Drumming Festival
August 7 – 8
Showcasing the cross-cultural influences of the drum, the 6th Annual Tobago Muhtadi International Drumming Festival will take place August 7 – 8 at the Dwight Yorke Stadium. A celebration of rhythm and culture, the two-day event features workshops, individual performances and group productions performed by percussionists from the Caribbean and around the world. Both visitors and locals will be treated to groovy rhythms and pulsating beats from some of the world’s best drummers. For more information, visit www.muhtadidrumfest.com.
Santa Rosa Festival
August 24
The Santa Rosa Festival celebrates the cross-cultural relationship between the Amerindians and Christianity. About 300 descendants of the Carib Amerindians, who settled the Caribbean long before Columbus arrived, formed a community near Arima in Trinidad to carefully protect their cultural traditions. The festival features a procession headed by the Carib Queen, a lunch with traditional Amerindian food and a display of arts and crafts.
For more information on these and the many other events in Trinidad & Tobago, visit www.goTrinidadandTobago.com or www.visittobago.gov.tt.
