Trinidad Carnival and it’s Origin

Trinidad carnival takes place in February or early March each year. The event not only unites the natives of this island it is also a time when the island’s tourism skyrockets. The history of this spectacular event stems its roots from colonial relationships and slavery on the island. Although the island was ruled by both the English and Spaniards, the country also had a large settlement of 12,000 French people under the English rule that brought along with them 12,000 slaves.

Carnival came to be in the year 1785 as the french people arrived to the island. The  French people of the island would dress up in wigs and masks and elaborate gowns, hold masquerade balls and celebrated by playing music and dancing from evening to dawn.

The African slaves that were brought to the island, would replicate the event in their own back yard and mimic their slave masters behavior, adding to it their own folklore’s and traditions along with their music.

For these African slaves the Trinidad carnival gave them an outlet to express themselves with dignity and respect. They were able to express themselves while holding steadfast to their own culture.

With the abolishment of slavery in 1838, when the African people were able to express themselves freely they still held on to carnival. Year after year the event became more elaborate and eventually became considerably larger than the Balls first held by the French settlers.

Today, Trinidad carnival can be viewed all over the world and is a spectacular events. People of all races come together to celebrate this event. At this event you can see the diversity of the people of Trinidad with the mixture of races from its African, Indian, Chinese, French and Asian people. The islanders still use the carnival as a way of expressing themselves through costume, music, dance, song and food.