The Carnival In Trinidad
Annually the Trinidad and Tobago Carnival is held before Ash Wednesday to celebrate the birth of the country.
Afro-Caribbean style music known as Calypso was at the heart of the event in days of old. Although Calypso has been replaced with Soca, a more mainstream type of music, the celebration is still an affair to remember.
The carnival in Trinidad had its early beginnings linked to West African festivals. Conventional French aristocracy threw festivals, masks were worn and social visits followed.
When Western traditions were being outlawed, along with drums and other religious practices, the slaves and former slave were creative in finding ways to pass on the traditions of their culture.
Carnivals grew along with the African influences music, dancing and singing was added. That attitude along with the high spirits that accompany the celebration has made the carnival in Trinidad the festival it is today.
An important part of the Carnival in Trinidad are the musical competitions. The position of competition winner is a highly sought after position. The island’s greatest honors are celebrated in the competitions so they are put on national television to allow everyone join in on the fun.
On top of the honor of winning the contests the winner receives a trophy, a large cash prize, a car and the possibility of a musical contract. Titles that are up for grabs include Calypso Monarch, Road March, Panorama Champions and Soca Monarch.
Claves, drums, and steelpans are the instruments used in the competition. Performers often practice on the steelpan during the weeks approaching the carnival to give them a better chance of winning the competition.
The culturally diverse inhabitants of Trinidad and Tobago combine influences of Europe, Spain, Asia and Africa. The musical influences of these cultures are brought out in the carnival, the combination has produced a sound unlike the carnival in Venice, Spain and New Orleans.
Costumes adorned with feathers and sequins are worn to the carnival in Trinidad. Group presentations are started by bandleaders months before the Carnival and the costumes are showcased early as well.
Evoking the past events of the country the Carnival in Trinidad is a huge celebration annually. Part of the preparation of the festival is centered around celebrations of the past.
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