Did you know that Trinidad is home to over 20 major festivals throughout the year? While Carnival may be the island’s crown jewel, there’s so much more to discover beyond that iconic celebration. Imagine yourself swaying to the rhythm of steel pans, tasting the bold flavors of local street food, and being surrounded by the vibrant colors of cultural festivities—all outside the Carnival season. Joining these celebrations gives you a special chance to connect with locals and truly understand what makes Trinidad’s culture so rich and diverse. Ready to dive in? Let me walk you through Trinidad’s vibrant festival calendar—by the end, you’ll be more than ready to plan your trip and join the festivities yourself!
Festivals and Event in Trinidad & Tobago
Planning Your Festival-Hopping Adventure in Trinidad
To make the most of Trinidad’s festival scene:
Best times to visit: While events happen year-round, September to November and March to May are particularly event-rich periods.
Accommodations: Book early, especially for major festivals. Consider staying in guesthouses or Airbnbs for a more local experience.
Transportation: Rent a car for flexibility, but be prepared for Trinidad’s lively traffic. Taxis and maxi-taxis (minibuses) are good options for getting around during festivals.
Cultural etiquette: Trinidadians are generally warm and welcoming. Dress modestly for religious festivals, and always ask before taking photos of people or sacred sites.
Trinidadian Music Festivals: A Symphony of Genres
Trinidad’s music scene is as diverse as its people, and there’s no shortage of festivals to prove it!
Trinidad and Tobago Steelpan Festival (July): Experience the birthplace of steelpan music at its finest! This week-long festival showcases the best pannists from around the world. Don’t miss the Panrama competition, where steel orchestras battle it out for supremacy.
Traveler’s Tip: Book your accommodations in Port of Spain early, as hotels fill up quickly during this popular event.
World Music Festival (March): A melting pot of global sounds, this festival brings together artists from across the globe. From reggae to jazz, soca to blues, there’s something for every music lover.
Traveler’s Tip: Bring a picnic blanket – many performances take place in outdoor venues.
Tobago Jazz Experience (April): Just a short hop from Trinidad, Tobago hosts this jazz extravaganza featuring both local and international artists. The beachside venues add an extra layer of Caribbean magic to the performances.
Traveler’s Tip: Consider splitting your stay between Trinidad and Tobago to fully experience both islands.
Trinbago Music Festival (August): Celebrating local talent, this festival is your chance to discover up-and-coming Trinidadian artists across various genres.
Traveler’s Tip: Engage with locals to get recommendations on the best emerging artists to watch.
Cultural and Religious Celebrations: A Mosaic of Traditions
Trinidad’s diverse cultural heritage shines through its year-round celebrations.
Hosay Festival (August/September): This solemn yet visually stunning Muslim festival features elaborate tadjahs (colorful model mausoleums) paraded through the streets.
Traveler’s Tip: The best places to witness this are St. James and Cedros. Remember to dress modestly out of respect.
Divali (October/November): The Hindu festival of lights transforms Trinidad into a glittering wonderland. Join in the celebrations by lighting deyas (small clay lamps) and sampling delicious vegetarian cuisine.
Traveler’s Tip: The Divali Nagar site in Chaguanas is the epicenter of celebrations, offering cultural performances and craft markets.
Easter (March/April): Experience unique Trinidadian Easter traditions, including kite flying on Easter Monday and the colorful Buccoo Goat Race Festival in Tobago.
Traveler’s Tip: Pack a kite or buy one locally to join in the Easter Monday fun at Queen’s Park Savannah.
Emancipation Day (August 1): This powerful celebration of freedom and African heritage features a vibrant street parade, African drum circles, and traditional cuisine.
Traveler’s Tip: Don’t miss the Lidj Yasu Omowale Emancipation Village for cultural exhibitions and performances.
Food and Drink Festivals: A Gastronomic Adventure
Trinidad’s culinary scene is a festival in itself.
Trinidad and Tobago Restaurant Week (September): Over 80 restaurants offer special menus and discounts. It’s the perfect time to sample the best of Trinidadian cuisine.
Traveler’s Tip: Make reservations early for popular restaurants, and try a mix of high-end and local eateries.
Tobago Blue Food Festival (October): “Blue food” refers to ground provisions that turn blue when cooked. This unique festival celebrates dasheen and other root vegetables in creative ways.
Traveler’s Tip: Come hungry and be prepared to try unusual flavor combinations!
Trinidad Moruga Scorpion Pepper Festival (July): For the brave-hearted, this festival celebrates one of the world’s hottest peppers. Try it if you dare!
Traveler’s Tip: Have some dairy products on hand to soothe the burn, and know your spice tolerance limits!
Carib Great Race and Beach Party (August): While technically a powerboat race, this event turns into a massive beach party with plenty of food, drink, and music.
Traveler’s Tip: Arrive early to secure a good spot on the beach, and don’t forget your sunscreen!
Arts and Literature Events: Celebrating Creativity
Trinidad’s artistic side shines through these cultural events.
Trinidad and Tobago Film Festival (September): Showcasing Caribbean and international films, this festival is a treat for cinephiles.
Traveler’s Tip: Book tickets online in advance for popular screenings.
NGC Bocas Lit Fest (April): The Caribbean’s premier literary festival features author readings, workshops, and lively debates.
Traveler’s Tip: Check the festival’s website for any writing competitions open to visitors.
Art Society’s Annual Exhibition (June): Admire works by local artists, both established and emerging, in this prestigious showcase.
Traveler’s Tip: Many artworks are for sale, offering a unique souvenir opportunity.
First Peoples Heritage Week (October): Learn about Trinidad’s indigenous heritage through exhibitions, craft markets, and performances.
Traveler’s Tip: Visit the Santa Rosa First Peoples Community in Arima for an immersive experience.
Sports and Adventure Events: Thrill-Seekers' Paradise
For those who like their festivals with a side of adrenaline:
Trinidad and Tobago Marathon (January): Join runners from around the world in this challenging race through Port of Spain.
Traveler’s Tip: Even if you’re not running, the festive atmosphere makes it worth watching. Position yourself near a pan yard for musical encouragement!
Great Race (August): This thrilling powerboat race from Trinidad to Tobago is a national institution.
Traveler’s Tip: Watch the start at Williams Bay, Chaguaramas, or the finish at Store Bay, Tobago.
Rainbow Cup Triathlon (June): Test your mettle in this Olympic-distance triathlon in Tobago.
Traveler’s Tip: Participants should arrive a few days early to acclimatize to the tropical conditions.
Tobago International Cycling Classic (September/October): This multi-stage race attracts cyclists from around the world.
Traveler’s Tip: Rent a bike to explore Tobago’s scenic routes yourself before or after the race.
Get ready to travel Trinidad & Tobago
Language: English
Currency: TT Dollar
Public Transport in Trinidad & Tobago
Public transport in Trinidad and is fairly reliable, safe, and easy to use (you just might need time). The main form of public transportation is the maxi taxi or minibus which are basically large vans that can fit between 8-12 people. Taxis are also available for hire from most major cities and airports. TT rideshare is the Trini version of Uber and works great! Loved it!
Tobago is a different story, especially as you venture away from Scarborough. TT Rideshare does not work in Tobago and so you’ll have to rely on taxis, buses (which run quite infrequent) and rides you catch with locals.
Best time to travel Trinidad & Tobago
The best time to visit is between December and May when the weather is dry and somewhat cool. This makes it the perfect time for beach trips and outdoor activities like hiking.
The two islands also have their own unique festivals. In Trinidad, the annual Trinidad Carnival is a must-see event that takes place in February and lasts for several days with parades, music, dancing, and lots of fun.
Trinidad and Tobago are outside of the hurrican belt. Therefore you do not have to fear hurricanes though the rain can get super heavy during the rain season which last from June to October.
Are Trinidad & Tobago safe?
It is generally safe to travel Trinidad and Tobago and we always felt very well looked out for. While the capital city of Port of Spain has become somewhat more notorious, we could fully enjoy the city with certain precautions taken in any capital in the region.
Internet & Phone
Internet and phone service is available in the major cities and on most of the countryside. You can purchase SIM cards for your cell phone to use with local carriers such as Digicel or Bmobile. The wifi speeds are decent, although they tend to be slower in more rural areas.
Tap water in Trinidad & Tobago
Tap water in Trinidad and Tobago is generally safe to drink, but it may come out of the tap hot or with an unpleasant taste. I still always fell better to use my water filter just to be sure.
Transport between Trinidad and Tobago
The most convenient and fastest way to get between Trinidad and Tobago is the inter-island ferry. It takes around 2 hours and there are several departure times a day. The ferry typically costs around $ US 70 each way, although prices can vary depending on time of year and day of the week. Alternatively, you can fly between the two islands with Caribbean Airlines or a few other smaller regional airlines.
Biggest challenges for the responsible traveler
Trash. Street food almost always comes wrapped in aluminum foil, and many restaurants serve it in to-go boxes. Luckily enough, a foldable food container will go a long way.
Generally speaking, responsible tourism practices are not (yet) prevalent in Trinidad or Tobago. Therefore, wear eco-friendly sunscreen when visiting waterfalls and the beach.
Sunscreen: Protect Marine life and wear reef-friendly sunscreen!
Sunscreen: Protect Trinidads coast by using reef-friendly sunscreen.
Packing List Caribbean
Are you getting ready to travel to Trinidad and Tobago? Check out my packing list to come prepared. You’ll find anything from cloths to useful travel gadgets and eco friendly travel products!
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