Trindad Carnival

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What is Carnival? Introduced to Trinidad in the late 1700s by the French, Carnival evolved from the elaborate masquerade balls to the present spectacle of the streets. The period stretching between Christmas and the start of Lent was a time for feasting, fancy dress balls and celebration for both the French and British. Banned from the festivities, slaves in the barrack yards would hold their own celebrations mimicking their masters' behaviour while incorporating rituals and folklore. Once slavery was abolished in 1838, the freed Africans took their Carnival to the streets and, as each new immigrant population entered Trinidad, a new flavour was added to the festivities. With each new group of immigrants adding its own touch, Carnival blossomed into a nationwide party, with calypso and steel pan music reflecting the country's multi-ethnic nature. Carnival today includes influences from all creeds, races and classes and has spread beyond the shores of the twin island nation.


	In 1883 the British government banned the playing of drums on the island, fearful that they were being used to carry secret messages. Enterprising Afro-Trinidadians immediately found other means of creating music. Some turned to cut bamboo poles beaten rhythmically on the ground; these were called Tamboo Bamboo bands, and they soon became a major musical force on the island. With the coming of industry, new materials such as hubcaps and biscuit tins were added as "instruments" in the bands. These metal additions were collectively known as "pan." Later, after the Americans established military bases on the islands during World War II, empty oil drums became available and were quickly put to musical use. Today the government recognizes the steel pan as the official musical instrument of Trinidad and Tobago. It's played year-round at official functions and social gatherings, but the true time for the steel pan is Carnival. In the annual Panorama festival, dozens of steel bands from around the country compete for the "Band of the Year" title. Some have fewer than a dozen steel pans, while others number in the hundreds. The performance of the larger bands creates a thunderous wall-of-sound effect.




Steel Pan
		ALL STARS

At 2 a.m. in Trinidad & Tobago, the
frenzy each year, the greatest show
on earth is born. During Carnival
Monday morning and in the early
hours, the first revelers hit the
streets – jumping, dancing,
shouting – abetted, it must be
admitted, by the fine local rum, but
fueled more by the exhilaration of
the occasion. This early "Mas",
known as "J’Ouvert", pronounced
"Jouvay"(a contraction of the
French "jour ouvert", or "day
open"), is for the true die-hard
player. It’s a ritual enacted to the
accompaniment of mud, oil,
pitchforks and pointed tails! An
elemental celebration of the darker
side of human life.

Carnival Bands Websites

Trinidad & Tobago Carnival (TnT)

Kiddies Carnival Sites

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