Our first talk of 2026 began with lively music to set the scene for a presentation about carnival, and was followed by a short video about Trinidad and Tobago. In the late 18th century, French planters arrived in Trinidad, bringing agricultural skills and festive traditions. The Cedula of Population in 1783, a Spanish decree, boosted the population by encouraging foreign Catholic settlers, including free people of color, to develop plantations. This led to a flourishing of sugar and cocoa cultivation and the emergence of Trinidad’s unique French-Creole culture, which includes Carnival. Carnival features the Fête de la Nuit (night festivities), masked balls, and vibrant Mardi Gras celebrations leading up to Lent, starting in December and ending on Ash Wednesday. 

Canboulay, from the French “cannes brûlées” meaning “burnt cane,” was the practice of gathering enslaved people to put out fi es in sugar cane fields and harvest damaged crops. They were marched to the fields, driven by he rhythm of horns and shells. 

After slavery was abolished in 1833 and emancipation in 1838, formerly enslaved people started reenacting Canboulay on the Sunday before Lent. This celebration evolved into the carnival known as Canboulay, featuring stick figh ing, music, dancing, and song. 

The heart and soul of Carnival is its music: Calypso, which evolved from West African Kaiso and was influenced by he cries of street vendors. Calypso acts as the “Gazette of the People,” sharing poignant social commentary and political satire that reflect community stories.The steelpan, the only acoustic instrument invented in the 20th century, originated in Trinidad and Tobago. Made from oil drum lids, it symbolizes innovation and resilience, emerging when African percussion was banned in the 1930s. The annual Panorama competition, held since 1963, showcases each steelpan orchestra performing popular Calypsos with original arrangements, highlighting the musicians’ flair and technical ski l. 

Soca, or “Soul of Calypso,” emerged in the 1970s as a fusion of calypso with African, Caribbean, and South Asian rhythms. It is the heart of modern Carnival, featuring infectious beats that inspire dance and celebration.”Wining” is a dance characterized by sensual hip rotations, rooted in ancient African and Caribbean traditions. While it can be done individually, it often involves two people dancing together, capturing the spirit of Carnival. J’Ouvert, or “Jour Ouvert,” is a pre-dawn parade where revelers, covered in mud and paint, express freedom and joy. Participants portray vibrant characters, like the lively Jab Molassie and the graceful Fancy Sailor, showcasing the cultural richness of Carnival. 

Traditional and Contemporary Mas features culturally significant costumes and characters hat tell stories of history and folklore. Key figu es include Moko Jumbies, Jab Jab (devils), and Fancy Indians, who draw from African traditions and European influences to cri ique society and preserve heritage. Jab Jab represents resilience and defiance hrough vibrant colors, while Dame Lorraine parodies the excesses of the French planter class. Moko Jumbies, as stilt-walkers, connect with ancestors, adding mystique to the parade. The Fancy Sailor commemorates Allied sailors from World War II, reflec ing community spirit during tough times. This form of mas is essential to Carnival’s cultural memory, distinct from modern “pretty mas“.

Contemporary Mas involves fie ce competition for the Band of the Year title, showcasing creativity and craftsmanship. Costumes now feature beads, bikinis, and feathers, blending traditional and modern styles. Mas designers create stunning displays that transform the streets into a vibrant gallery of imagination and colour, welcoming all into a world of wonder. Carnival visitors can actively join the celebration by “playing mas” and participating in the parade. 

Carnival is a significant socio-cu tural event that temporarily dissolves social and racial boundaries, inviting everyone to celebrate. It provides a platform for satire and social critique, offering an escape from daily life while nurturing key cultural arts such as Calypso, Steelpan, and Masquerade for future generations. 

Carnival boosts economic growth by promoting tourism and supporting local craft industries. Its spirit reaches globally, inspiring events such as Notting Hill, Caribana, and the Labour Day Parade (USA), and sharing Trinidad’s vibrant culture with the world. 

Carnival is a colourful tapestry of resistance and celebration, rich in history and serving as a living cultural museum that showcases the vibrant story of Trinidad and Tobago.

Image credit:

Idobi, CC BY-SA 4.0 <https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0>, via Wikimedia Commons