Carnival is referred to as the greatest show, party and street parade in the world by those who experience its sense-awakening thrill. This event, rooted in history and showcasing the diverse and colourful culture of the Caribbean, takes place early in the year; the official Carnival dates being the Monday and Tuesday before Ash Wednesday, taking place in major towns all over Trinidad, but the heart of the event being in the capital, Port-of-Spain. J’ouvert, the mud, powder and paint party begins on the Monday at 4:00 a.m to sunrise and leads into the spectacle of mas where masqueraders parade through the streets either dressed in eye-catching, colourful costumes of feathers, beads and sequins or as traditional characters, playing theatrical roles such as the spooky Midnight Robber, the poetic Pierrot Grenade, the towering Moko Jumbie and more.
Preceding the two-day street parade are weeks of shows, fetes and competitions like Panorama, Soca Monarch, Calypso Monarch and more that expose the unique musical flavour of Trinidad and stars the steelpan, the national instrument being wielded in its home of creation. Carnival is ultimately a period of fun, fantasy and entertainment where visitors can engage in the life and energy of the nation and its people.
