Culture

The Culture of Trinidad and Tobago is a mixed influence of African, Indian, French, Amerindian, Chinese, British, Spanish, Portuguese, Venezuelan, Caribbean, and American culture. The cultural influences on each of these islands are as different from each other as their individual history. And they still experience regional differences from time to time.

Trinidad and Tobago is very widely influenced by the United Kingdom and the United States. They are an English speaking country, which traces its roots back to Britain. The 2 favorite sports here are football and cricket. American programs and television series have greatly dominated this area's cultural attitude.

People on these islands are ever ready for a fiesta and the Carnival spirit is ingrained in their blood and veins. Carnival is celebrated officially 2 days before Ash Wednesday but unofficially the festivities commence on or even before the month of October.

A. Music

Calypso

These Caribbean islands are homelands to Calypso music, which has rich African and French influences. Calypso has long since established itself as a major musical ancestor and included in it various other styles of music like the reggae, soca and rapso. The French immigrants who initiated the carnival forbade the slaves to participate in it. Hence, the slaves originated their own version of the carnival called as canboulay, where Calypso was born.

Soca

Soca is a kind of groovy music and is a blend of Trinidad's calypso and Indian music and rhythms. It has largely replaced the Calypso music in Carnivals in the recent times.

Chutney

Chutney music is indigenous to Trinidad and Tobago since it combines elements of soca and Hindi film songs, which were introduced by Indian immigrants. Lyrics are in English, Hindi or Bhojpuri. Well-known chutney artists are Samaroo, Devanand Gattoo and Heeralal Rampartap. Chutney is accompanied with instruments like dholak, harmonium and dhantal. Chutney music's sub-genres are ragga chutney, chutney-hip hop, soca-bhangra, bhangra-wine and chutney-bhangra.

Rapso

Rapso grew out of the social unrest of 1970. It is often described as a fusion of native soca with American hip-hop, however, rapso is uniquely Trinidadian.

Cheryl Byron is called the "Mother of Rapso".

Pichakaree

Pichakaree is a blend of Indo-Trinidadian music. Pichakaree songs involve a lot of social commentary, and the languages in which it is sung is a mixture of Hindi, English and Bhojpuri words. Pichakaree competitions form a key part in Phagwa celebrations hosted by the Hindu Prachar Kendra.

B. Language

Officially, English is the mother tongue of Trinidad and Tobago. However, some segments of the population also speak "Patios" which is a kind of slang French that had its influence in the French colonial days. As it is located at around 7 miles away from Venezuela, there is also a rising Spanish-speaking population in Trinidad.

The Trinbagonian accent is very easy to comprehend and it is spoken in a very melodic fashion.

C. Religious Practices

Trinidad and Tobago are multi-religious in nature. The census of 1990 has shown that over 40% of the populace is Christian with 29.4% Roman Catholics. The Hindu sect forms 24% and just less than 6% of the populace is Muslim. Few islanders follow Orisha, which is a customary African religion.

D. Major Events

Angostura Tobago Sailweek

#2 Hillock Place Extension Trinidad

Tel: +1 868 637 6785

Partying all thorough the event is what best describes this festival. It is one of the most welcoming parties of the Caribbean islands. Tobago is host to one of the most extravagant and energetic yachting parties ever. Local and international sailors participate in races throughout Sailweek. Audiences applaud them and party throughout the day with music, games and prizes. The focal point of all antics is in and around the Crown Point Beach Hotel.

Start date: 2007-05-14

end date: 2007-05-19

Diwali

Various locations Trinidad

Tel: +1 868 623 1932 (Tourism Authority)

Diwali, known as the ‘Festival of lights', is a Hindu festival celebrated annually in the months of October and November. This auspicious month is celebrated for the reign of good over evil. It also pays tribute to Lakshmi, the Hindu goddess of beauty, wealth and light. The main event is preceded by other celebrations taking place at the Divali Nagar Site in the borough of Chaguanas.

Hosay Festival

Commemorating Two Brothers

St. James Trinidad

Tel: +1 868 675 7034 (Tourism)

Fax: +1 868 638 3560 (Tourism)

This festival is celebrated by the Shia Muslims all over the world in the months of April, May or June depending on the Islamic calendar. It honors the death of Prophet Mohammed's grandsons Hassan and Hussein at the Battle of Kerbala in Persia. Commencing on the Flag Night, a huge convoy of masses waving multi-colored flags takes to the streets. The next 2 nights proceed with music and dance. On the 4th night a special prayer is said for the dead and people rally together carrying 2 crescent shaped moons symbolizing the 2 lost heroes. The biggest processions are held at St. James, a suburb of Port of Spain.

Start date: 2007-01-01

end date: 2007-01-31

Independence Day

Various locations Trinidad

Tel: +1 868 623 1932

This event celebrates the Independence of Trinidad and Tobago from the hands of the British in 1962. It is celebrated on the 31st of August. The day commences at Queen's Park Savannah in Port of Spain with a marvelous military and marching band parade. It is followed by the President's award ceremony scheduled at the President's house. On this occasion, prodigious nationals are honored with awards in their respective fields. The pinnacle of this event is the public display of fireworks held at the Queen's Park Savannah.

Start date: 2006-08-31

end date: 2006-08-31

Phawga (Holi)

Promoting Purification & Good Health

29 10th Avenue Trinidad

T: +1 868 675 7034

F: +1 868 638 3560

Phagwa, also known as Holi is a celebrated spring Hindu festival, which commemorates purification and good health. The term Holi comes from the Sanskrit word 'Holika' meaning 'parched grains'. Celebrations are held with lots of singsongs, dances and percussive music.

Steel Pan Festival

Queen's Park Savannah Port of Spain

Tel: +1 868 623 1932 (Tourist Department)

It is also known as Panorama. This is a festival that celebrates the national instrument of Trinidad and Tobago, the Steel Pan. The festival ends on Carnival Saturday night at the Queen's Park Savannah, where contenders from across the country battle for the coveted Panorama title. Bands usually consist of 100 to 400 players that mesmerize the audiences with their pure music.

Start date: 2007-02-01

end date: 2007-03-31

E. Etiquettes / Do's and Don'ts

Do's

- Travelers should be courteous always.

- Garbage must be disposed off in trash receptacles.

- Always tip a local staff, whether in a restaurant, hotel or taxi.

- Business travelers must always shake hands with locals and exchange business cards on introduction.

- Travelers must be alert to local expressions like ‘to lime' which means to party.

Don'ts

- Never use inappropriate language in public, if heard using it, an arrest or a fine is guaranteed.

- Never capture pictures of a resident without seeking their permission.

- Women are advised against wearing revealing clothing.

- Swimsuits, shorts, bikini tops, and flip-flops are inappropriate in restaurants, shops, public hotel areas, and cities.