Sights to See: Carnival, Trinidad

Carnival  February 27 and 28 in 2017.  Held in Port of Spain, on the Monday (party day) and Tuesday (activities are more structured; parade day) preceding Ash Wednesday.  This massive event is the largest Carnival celebration in the Caribbean and the second largest in the world (Brazil is #1).  Costumes are stunning, and many are elaborate and massive--large enough to fill a room.  It is filled with music trucks, waving hands, and plenty of jumping.  To attend, you should book one year in advance, and do consider booking a hotel or tour package.

Carnival participants have their favorite costume designer.  Ronnie & Coro Mas Camp costumes (Warren/Ana sts, Woodbrook, 868-628-4521) is one of the best.  The costume charge here is TT5,000+ (just under US$1,000) and includes everything--admission, food, drinks.  Locals can no longer make everything in Trinidad.  Feather items are still made here, but belts and many other items are now produced in China.  “There are featherless birds and hairless horses in China because of carnival in Trinidad,” laughs Ronnie.  Note that Carnival participants purchase new costumes every year!  


owner Ronnie of Ronnie & Coro Mas Camp costumes in Port of Spain, Trinidad

worker at Ronnie of Ronnie & Coro Mas Camp costumes in Port of Spain, Trinidad
Carnival costume at Ronnie of Ronnie & Coro Mas Camp costumes in Port of Spain, Trinidad

Carnival costumes at Ronnie of Ronnie & Coro Mas Camp costumes in Port of Spain, Trinidad

travel writer Carole Terwilliger Meyers models feather costume at Ronnie of Ronnie & Coro Mas Camp costumes in Port of Spain, Trinidad

travel photographer Chad Case models feather headpiece at Ronnie of Ronnie & Coro Mas Camp costumes in Port of Spain, Trinidad

More things to do in Trinidad.
 
More things to do in Tobago.
 
More travel articles to inspire you and help you plan some spectacular getaways.

images ©2017 Carole Terwilliger Meyers; image of Carole Terwilliger Meyers c2017 Chad Case