NEW YORK – The spirit of Trinidad and Tobago’s 2007 carnival celebration last February takes center stage this Saturday, October 27 at 1 p.m. and 7 p.m. (Eastern Time) when top television network BET J airs a half hour special of “the world’s greatest street festival.”
The show is hosted by comedian Chris Spencer who immerses himself in the unique and extraordinary experience of this festival. He humorously participates in the rigorous schedule of parties, costume fittings, dancing in the streets and sampling the exquisite food and traditions indigenous to the island, while interviewing soca artistes, steel pan makers and the island’s Minister of Tourism.
“This BET J special will keep you glued, as you escape to the best party in the Caribbean,” said Cybelle Brown, BET J’s Vice President of Sales and Business Development. She said BET J producers skillfully captured the Carnival experience in 30 minutes of television in one of “the most exciting and colourful cultural attractions” she has seen.
Following this weekend’s double airing, it will be repeated on November 10 at 2:30 p.m. and 8:30 p.m.; and on December 15 at 1:30 p.m. and 7:30 p.m.
Carnival in Trinidad & Tobago is the place to be, said Trinidad and Tobago’s Minister of Tourism Howard Chin Lee while enjoying calypso rhythms during the festival. “Our Carnival is like fine wine, it gets better every year,” he said, adding that while Trinidad and Tobago offers beaches and eco-tourism attractions, its industrial base has helped position the nation as an important meetings destination.
Trinidadian singing sensation Destra Garcia opens the show proclaiming, “Carnival in T & T is so special to all ah we. Like we need blood in we vein, that’s how we feel about Port-of-Spain.”
The airing of the special is the fruit of a marketing partnership between BET Digital Networks, Trinidad and Tobago’s Ministry of Tourism and the twin-island’s Tourism Development Company.
In 2008, the annual Carnival season climaxes on Monday, February 4 and Tuesday, February 5, when thousands of costumed revelers take to the streets to “play mas.”
