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Trinidad is well-known for throwing one of the greatest parties in the world – Carnival. Less well known is Trinidad and Tobago’s skill at mounting exciting events throughout the year. In this issue of Trinidad & Tobago Connection, we shine a light on some of the most widely anticipated culinary, cultural and musical events still to come in 2011. Planning your clients’ travel to coincide with one of these events gives a heaping helping of added value to their T&T excursion.
For a complete list of T&T special events, visit www.gotrinidadandtobago.com/events
Taste TNT
May
Trinidad
Taste T&T is a culinary celebration showcasing the best of Trinidad and Tobago's food while at the same time highlighting the creative talents of the country's top and up-and-coming chefs.
International Reggae & World Music Awards
May 28
Trinidad & Tobago
Trinidad and Tobago was selected from over 30 countries vying to host the International Reggae & World Music Awards. Among the international artists nominated for awards are American hip-hop stars Drake and Rick Ross, singers Alicia Keys and Rhianna; reggae artists Gyptian and Damian Marley and soca stars Machel Montano and Iwer George. Dancehall stars Beenie Man and Queen Ifrica, are also up for awards.
Between 3,000 and 5,000 people are expected to attend the awards show which will bring in more than 1,000 visitors to Trinidad and Tobago.
Tickets for the International Reggae and World Music Awards cost TT$190 ($30) for outdoor seating; TT$320 ($50) VIP and TT$1,280 ($202) VIP Platinum.
Culinary Festival
May 22
Pigeon Point, Tobago
A festival showcasing the culinary skills of local chefs, cooks and caterers. The event includes demonstrations and live entertainment.
Tobago Heritage Festival
July 16 - August 1
Tobago
Trinidad has Carnival and Tobago has its own penultimate celebration, The Tobago Heritage Festival. This annual event was created to preserve the unique cultural traditions of Tobago. The festival has grown from year to year and runs from mid July to the beginning of August, attracting thousands of participants and onlookers. During the festival visitors can experience the many quaint and friendly villages dotting the island and get a real feel for the Tobago way of life – the island’s language and varied oral traditions, culture, dances, music, and culinary delights.
Great Fete Weekend
July 28 - August 2
Tobago
Tobago hosts a week of lively beach parties featuring the island’s most popular DJs, sound systems and soca performers. You’ll have the chance to dip into Welcome Wednesday, Retro Thursday, Fantastic Friday, Wet Fete Saturday, Insomniac Sunday and Bar Code Monday. The Great Fete Weekend bills itself as the number one beach party in the southern Caribbean.
Panyard Sensations
September 2011
Trinidad
Panyard Sensations is hosted by the Tourism Development Company Limited in conjunction with Pan Trinbago Incorporated. The annual series highlights Trinidad and Tobago's national instrument, the steelpan, as well as the practitioners of this remarkable art form.
“Panyard Sensations was born out of a need to not only showcase steelpan music, but to also showcase it within the context of its birthplace - the panyard,” says Angela Fox, media/communications liaison for Pantrinbago Incorporated. “The rustic charm of the panyard is unique and is an integral part of this instrument’s history, and by extension, our people’s history. The panyard is a place of innovation and creation and we want people to experience that as well.”
The event, which continues to grow in popularity with both nationals and visitors, provides an opportunity to showcase the country’s national instrument. The series of weekend pan concerts feature extensive and varied musical repertoires of some of the most popular steelbands in the country.
The Trinidad and Tobago Steelpan & Jazz Festival 2011
October
Trinidad
This high-profile charitable event hosted by the Queen's Royal College Foundation features famed local musicians and steelpan bands. |
