#TOBAGOCARNIVAL #TrinidadVsTOBAGO #COOLDOWNinParadise
So who knew that CARNIVAL would be the best way to describe the difference between Trinidad and Tobago!!!
Trinidad is recognized as being the commercial hub of the Nation of Trinidad and Tobago; thus having a faster pace/ having more activities/ being more active.
Tobago on the other hand though less developed than Trinidad, boasts of its natural beauty. "Clean, Green, Safe and Serene", Tobago has Sun, Sea and Sand, Rain-forests, Flora and Fauna, and Underwater habitats which include the largest brain Coral in the Western Hemisphere. Paradise on Earth is TOBAGO.
The culture of the people of two islands also varies slightly as a result of not sharing the same history, therefore not having the same ethnic blend and being very village/ family oriented. This is reflected in the small variations in the Carnival Calendar of Tobago.
Most of the CARNIVAL SEASON action happens in Trinidad where the festival was born in the 18th century. Tobago is known to be the cool-down spot afterward. However, there are options for locals and visitors who would like to participate in Carnival Monday and Tuesday festivities. Just be aware of the subtle differences as Tobago distinguishes itself from Trinidad.
In Trinidad Carnival Monday begins with J'Ouvert (french for “break of day”) immediately following Dimanche Gras. Trinidad's J'Ouvert is a street parade through the City of Port Of Spain. It is predominantly made up of Mud Mas and traditional characters such as the Blue Devil.
Tobago's Carnival is a spin off of Trinidad's Carnival. Elements in common with Tobago's J'Ouvert are: masqueraders depicting thought provoking Socio-political issues and modern day J'Ouvert Bands that provide All-Inclusive packages comprising either simple playful costumes or a T-Shirt and a coloured dye powder similar to Abir used in Phagwa celebrations.
In Tobago, Traditional Characters can be found throughout Monday and Tuesday. Note the a subtle differences in Tobago's depiction of the Traditional characters. For example in Tobago, Black Devils (Jab Molasses) are more popular, additionally Jab Jab costumes are designed differently. Also note that these characters are brought back during Tobago's own festival, the Tobago Heritage Festival in July.
Mud Mas Celebrations are held at the end of Carnival Celebrations in Tobago on Carnival Tuesday (fondly known by both islands as "Last Lap"). This actually makes more sense than Trinidad's version, as the streets have needed to be washed afterwards to facilitate "Pretty mas" which occurs during the day time Carnival Monday and Tuesday.
Like Maracas beach on Ash Wednesday, Tobago is the cool-down destination post Carnival. Just another excuse to party in Trinidad and Tobago, but in a much more relaxing environment.
Trinidad is recognized as being the commercial hub of the Nation of Trinidad and Tobago; thus having a faster pace/ having more activities/ being more active.
Tobago on the other hand though less developed than Trinidad, boasts of its natural beauty. "Clean, Green, Safe and Serene", Tobago has Sun, Sea and Sand, Rain-forests, Flora and Fauna, and Underwater habitats which include the largest brain Coral in the Western Hemisphere. Paradise on Earth is TOBAGO.
The culture of the people of two islands also varies slightly as a result of not sharing the same history, therefore not having the same ethnic blend and being very village/ family oriented. This is reflected in the small variations in the Carnival Calendar of Tobago.
Most of the CARNIVAL SEASON action happens in Trinidad where the festival was born in the 18th century. Tobago is known to be the cool-down spot afterward. However, there are options for locals and visitors who would like to participate in Carnival Monday and Tuesday festivities. Just be aware of the subtle differences as Tobago distinguishes itself from Trinidad.
In Trinidad Carnival Monday begins with J'Ouvert (french for “break of day”) immediately following Dimanche Gras. Trinidad's J'Ouvert is a street parade through the City of Port Of Spain. It is predominantly made up of Mud Mas and traditional characters such as the Blue Devil.
Tobago's Carnival is a spin off of Trinidad's Carnival. Elements in common with Tobago's J'Ouvert are: masqueraders depicting thought provoking Socio-political issues and modern day J'Ouvert Bands that provide All-Inclusive packages comprising either simple playful costumes or a T-Shirt and a coloured dye powder similar to Abir used in Phagwa celebrations.
In Tobago, Traditional Characters can be found throughout Monday and Tuesday. Note the a subtle differences in Tobago's depiction of the Traditional characters. For example in Tobago, Black Devils (Jab Molasses) are more popular, additionally Jab Jab costumes are designed differently. Also note that these characters are brought back during Tobago's own festival, the Tobago Heritage Festival in July.
Mud Mas Celebrations are held at the end of Carnival Celebrations in Tobago on Carnival Tuesday (fondly known by both islands as "Last Lap"). This actually makes more sense than Trinidad's version, as the streets have needed to be washed afterwards to facilitate "Pretty mas" which occurs during the day time Carnival Monday and Tuesday.
Like Maracas beach on Ash Wednesday, Tobago is the cool-down destination post Carnival. Just another excuse to party in Trinidad and Tobago, but in a much more relaxing environment.
So tell us what was your Carnival Experience this year? Were you in Trinidad or Tobago?
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