A Flow of Festivals

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Dancers at the Emancipation Village

Photographer: Anthony Harris

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Hosay

This originally Islamic festival commemorates the martyrdom of Hussain, the Prophet Muhammad’s grandson, and later murder of his brother Hassan. The lively three-day procession sees tadjahs (fanciful replicas of the tomb) carried through the streets to tassa drumming; they are eventually cast into the sea. Popular venues for watching and joining Hosay activities are St James, Curepe, Tunapuna, Couva, and Cedros. Dates vary each year according to the moon.

Carnival

Undoubtedly the island’s largest and most famous festival, showcasing some of the nation’s most distinctive artforms: calypso, soca, steelband, limbo and others. For the full low-down, see our Carnival articles.

Phagwa (Holi)

Each March the Hindu community recognises the beginning of the Indian spring and the Hindu New Year. A major hallmark of the festival is the vegetable dye abir, a fuschia liquid that Phagwa (or Holi) participants spray over one another as part of the revelry. Celebrations also include chowtal singing and dancing competitions.

Spiritual (Shouter) Baptist Liberation Day

Celebrated on March 30, this day commemorates the abolition of the British-instituted Shouters Prohibition Ordinance, which forbade participation in this African-influenced religion.

La Divina Pastora

A Catholic devotion with origins in Spain, this local tribute to the Divine Shepherdess includes Hindus, who refer to the Black Virgin statue as Siparee Kay Mai. Held annually on the second Sunday after Easter, the festival is one of the main events in the southern town of Siparia.

Trinidad & Tobago Fashion Week

Founded in 2008, the event showcases some of the most talented local and regional designers and models, both established and emerging, every May.

Taste T&T

A showcase of the island’s finest foods and chefs. The accompanying Restaurant Week is a great opportunity to enjoy discounts and specials at some of the island’s best restaurants.

Indian Arrival Day

Celebrated on May 30 in commemoration of the arrival of the first indentured labourers from India in 1845, with historical re-enactments, cultural shows, fashion shows, craft and clothing markets, and more. The Divali Nagar site in Chaguanas is a focal point.

WeBeat Festival

An annual festival each June centred around the Western Main Road in St James, featuring vintage kaiso (calypso), talent shows, a pan explosion and a steelband parade to end the festival.

Emancipation Day

Celebrated on August 1 to commemorate the emancipation of African slaves in 1838. It’s marked with street processions (including towering moko jumbies), church services, cultural shows, and an Emancipation Village in Port of Spain offering craft and clothing, plus shows featuring local and international acts.

Santa Rosa Festival

Celebrated in late August, the festival honours the patron saint of the local Carib community. Commemorations include sharing traditional Amerindian foods, church services, and a street procession with the Santa Rosa statue, led by the Carib Queen.

Independence Day

The commemoration of the islands’ independence from Britain on August 31, 1962 with parades, fireworks and big concerts (sometimes featuring international acts), plus the Independence Day Cycling Classic.

Panyard Sensations

An annual series each September in panyards across the island showcasing the national instrument, the steelpan, as well its top bands and practitioners.

Trinidad & Tobago Film Festival

This September festival started in 2006 and is now the second largest of its kind in the region. It showcases a range of dramatic, documentary, short, and animated films from or about the Caribbean and Latin America, and hosts a number of workshops and educational programmes. W: www.trinidadandtobagofilmfestival.com

Republic Day

Commemorates the nation’s status as a republic within the Commonwealth, achieved on September 24, 1976. Events include the Hyundai Open Water Classic at Maracas Bay and the Republic Day Cycling Challenge and 5K Fun Run.

Amerindian Heritage Day

Descendants from around the region gather for a smoke ceremony and street procession in Arima on October 14 to honour the heritage of Caribs, Awaraks and other Amerindian groups.

Divali

Celebrated in October or November according to the moon, this Hindu festival of lights honours Mother Lakshmi (goddess of light, beauty, riches and love) and celebrates the return of Lord Rama from exile: thousands of flickering deyas light his way. Epic theatrical re-enactments of Hindu scriptures (Ramleela) take place just before.

Best Village

The Best Village competition keeps folk traditions alive in local communities, and is where some of the nation’s finest performing arts professionals make their start. It culminates in October/November, and encompasses all indigenous local culture – dance, drama, folklore, food and farming products, sports, and the selection of a Best Village Queen, La Reine Rivé.

Eid-ul-Fitr

Eid marks the end of Ramadan (the ninth month of the Muslim year), during which fasting is practised from sunrise to sunset. The day begins in the mosque and continues with alms-giving, hospitality and shared meals with family, friends and neighbours of all backgrounds. The date of this festival varies, since it depends on the sighting of the new moon.

For a full listing of annual events and public holidays, visit the Calendar section.