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Culture and festivitiesThe islands’ rich culture and ethnic diversityare reflected in their cuisine, music, and heritage,which are constantly celebrated innumerous festivals year-round. The most popularof festivals is Trinidad’s Carnival, whichspawns a season of revelry, culminating in twodays of uninhibited celebration in the pre-Lenten season. But it isn’t simply a two-dayfestival; it’s a season. Trinidad’s Carnivalbuilds from Christmas onwards, as anticipationincreases. Carnival revolves around masquerade(mas), steelpan, calypso, soca, fetes(parties), and competitions. People attendfetes (parties), finalise payments for theirmasquerade costumes, rate their favouritesongs, and keep tabs on who they think willwin the Road March (the song most played onCarnival Monday and Tuesday; Carnival isalways held on a Monday or Tuesday).Dimanche Gras – a grand show that featuresall of the winners from calypso competitionsduring the season, and the King and Queen ofCarnival who display their breath-taking costumes– is hosted on the Sunday precedingCarnival Monday. An affair for Carnival royalty,it is one of the most anticipated events onthe festival calendar.Noted for its splendour and vibrancy, Trinidad’sCarnival reaches its peak on Carnival Mondayand Tuesday when masqueraders take to thestreets, music trucks and live bands accompanyingthem. Carnival 2009 will be held onFebruary 23rd and 24th. Like most uniqueexperiences, it is often imitated, but never duplicated.Major cities across the world continue topay homage to Trinidad’s Carnival, by hostingsmaller Carnivals, all in an attempt to recaptureits magic.Many lineages – one peopleTrinidad and Tobago is one of the few countrieswhere ethnic diversity and integration seemsseamless. After all, where else can you find amosque – a place of Muslim worship – and amandir – Hindu temple situated peaceably nextto each other? While locals bask in the numerouspublic holidays for religious festivities suchas Divali, Eid, and Christmas throughout theyear, these national festivities signify somethinggreater – an appreciation for the many lineagesto places such as Africa, East India, China,Syria, Latin America, Spain, France, andEngland, and nothing on this twin-island destinationcan hide these influences.Trinidad’s restaurants are reflective of thecountry’s multi-ethnic makeup, and include ALa Bastille (French cuisine), Il Colloseo(Italian), Apsara (Indian), Tamnak Thai (Thai),and Veni Mangé (Creole). Additionally, smallereateries such as Woodford Café (Creole) andIrie Bites (Jamaican) add to the country’s gastronomicrange. Visitors can also sample thestreet cuisine in another district of Port ofSpain – St. James. Tobago can also boast ofits gastronomy with finger-licking dishes likemahimahi and herb-infused rice in Bonkers orindigenous cou cou (likened to a cornmealpudding) and callaloo (a spinach and ochrastew) on Storebay Beach.The duality of metropolitan hustle and bustle,and the secluded-island serenity of this twinislanddestination provide rich experiences to fillany travel journal. Whether you seek the spotlightof Caribbean excitement or utter relaxation,Trinidad and Tobago has endless ways in whichto charm travellers and make you fall in lovewith travel and tourism all over again.30FCCA Cruise Conference & Trade Show Trinidad & Tobago • October 27-31, 2008