Trinidad Carnival 2019

Why is Trinidad Carnival celebrated?

Like most Carnivals, Trinidad’s came from Christian roots: lent. It was originally meant to be a festival of indulgence before the 40-day period of fasting. However, Carnival is not necessarily religious, which you could probably tell from the copious amounts of alcohol and winin’.

Trinidad Carnival in the modern age has evolved to be more a commemoration of all things Caribbean. Caribs and non-Caribs from all over join in on the festivities to enjoy great food, plenty of rum, and a good ol’ parade with booming music.

When is Trinidad Carnival 2019?

Trinidad Carnival 2019 will take place on the 4^th – 5^th March. It will start with an early, Monday morning J’Ouvert, and continue straight through Tuesday night.

Before that, there will be Dimanche Gras on Sunday to crown the Carnival King and Queen, followed by Kiddies Day on Saturday. This day will incredibly family friendly and features a children’s parade.

Where is Trinidad Carnival held?

The Carnival celebrations completely take over the streets of Trinidad’s capital city, Port of Spain. As long as you’re in the city, you won’t be able to miss it, so we won’t bore you with the details. The sound will lead you right to it.

What to wear

What to wear to Trinidad Carnival depends on how you’re feeling and what you’re doing. If you’re part of a parade, then you will want to wear… very little, actually. The standard parade costumes for girls are bright, glittery, feathery bikinis with grand head pieces and accessories. Mens’ costumes are very similar, but with shorts instead of bikinis.

However, if you’re just a regular Carnival-goer, then shorts, a nice top and comfortable trainers will do just fine. You can dress up if you like since it is a special occasion. There’s no need for you to bring a jacket, though - the heat lingers way into the night in Trinidad!

How to prepare for Trinidad Carnival

The days are long and the Trinidad sun is unforgiving, so make sure that you’re fully prepared for the day to make the most of Carnival. Pack a water bottle, some snacks, sun screen (and probably after sun), and remember to wear sensible footwear because you’ll be on your feet for quite some time. Of course, there will be plenty of food and drink available during the event, but it’s better to be safe than sorry. It would also be a good idea to bring a hat.

Another tip would be to make sure you get a good night’s rest before Carnival. You’ll likely be dancing, walking and generally partying for hours, so you’ll need the energy. Plan your travel in advance to save stressing on the day, especially since many taxis and transport links will be either interrupted or cancelled due to Carnival.