Trinidad and Tobago - Destination Handbook

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Though Trinidad and Tobago is a secular state, we respect all creeds and races,
which has led to the observance of many religious occasions.
HOSAY
Hosay is an Islamic festival observed by Shi’a
Muslims throughout the world – and the
celebration was brought to Trinidad as early as
1845. Although referred to as a festival, Hosay
really isn’t – at least, not in the strictest sense
of the word. In many Islamic countries, this
tradition takes a more solemn religious tone as it
is considered a time of mourning for the martyred.
Generally, Hosay runs for four days either in April,
May or June in accordance with the Islamic lunar
calendar.
Hosay is the commemoration of the martyrdom
of the Prophet Mohammed’s grandsons Hassan
and Hussein at the Battle of Kerbala in Persia.
The observances start on Flag Night when the first
procession takes place. Hundreds of devotees walk
through the streets carrying multi-coloured flags to
symbolize the beginning of the Battle of Kerbala in
which the brothers lost their lives.
On the second night, small Tadjahs (elaborately
decorated models of mosques that are made
in ‘yards’ by volunteers who first go through
purification rituals of fasting, abstinence from sex,
and prayers) are carried slowly through the streets
to the sound of throbbing Tassa drums – symbolic
of war drums, played in set rhythms that are
common throughout the world. You cannot help
but be drawn in by the pulsating sound of these
drums whose cadence can be heard for miles.
Large Tadjahs, also accompanied by Tassa drums,
make their appearance on the third night and are
quite spectacular – usually being more than two
metres high and more elaborate versions of their
smaller counterparts. Eager participants parade
them through the streets while dancers carry two
large crescent-shaped moons representing the two
brothers.
On the fourth day, there is a daylight procession
where the moons are led through the streets to
an open field, where, in simulation of the battle
they ‘dance’ with each other. A special prayer is
offered for the dead as this part of the proceedings
represent the entombment of the brothers. This is
the last time you will see the Tadjahs, because the
celebrations end on this day – usually by about
7:00 p.m.
In the early beginnings of the festival, the Tadjahs
would be thrown into the sea to ensure that all
prayers would be answered. Today, however, the
celebrants are much more environmentally aware
and choose to dismantle and properly dispose of
its parts.
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