top 5 annualcelebrations in trinidad
Trinidad Carnival
february, March
- carnival date
- 2024 : Feb 12 - Feb 13
- 2024 : Mar 3 - Mar 4
- 2026 : Mar 16 - Mar 17
Click here for more on Carnival from programme to bands, where to stay and more.
Easter Weekend
March, April
Easter celebrations with a unique Trinidadian twist. Watch the Annual Play – a re-enactment of Jesus Christ’s final days through the Stations of the Cross & take part in the Annual Walk.
- must do
Enjoy a fun filled weekend with many activities happening across the island, from brunch to Easter festivals and fairs.
- where
Public spaces throughout the island
- easter start dates
2024: Mar 29
2025: Apr 18
2026: Apr 3
emancipation day
august 1st
A month-long national festival to celebrate the abolition of slavery.
Witness stunning parades with participants in their beautiful ethnic garments, watch fashion shows showcasing Trinidadian traditional clothing and join in some musical fun including drumming and concerts. Guests can also attend film events and educational seminars, panel discussions, exhibitions and lectures.
- DON’T MISS
The Kamboule (street procession) on Emancipation Day is theatre in motion, a mass procession throughout the streets of the capital Port-of-Spain, featuring African drums, steelband, moko jumbies and dance groups.
- must do
Where the first Proclamation of Independence was read in 1834.
first peoples
heritage week
october
Celebrating the first peoples of Trinidad and their rich culture & history.
A week of celebrations featuring a series of events including indigenous street parades accompanied by traditional music, cultural displays, traditional dances, sacred rituals and storytelling.
WHAT’S ON?
Parades, cultural displays, traditional dances, music performances, and storytelling.
- must do
Witness sacred traditions such as the Smoke Ceremony at the Red House, which was built on an ancient indigenous burial site, and a Water Ritual.
- DON’T MISS
Dining on delicious, traditional indigenous cuisine including barbecue, wild meat, cocoa, cassava, corn, maize and warap (beer made from fermented cassava).
- when
One week leading up to October 14 every year
- where
Arima, Port of Spain
diwali
october & november
A festival of lights, a celebration of good over evil.
A national holiday with sacred roots in Hinduism, Diwali is celebrated in Trinidad with a week of rituals and ceremonies leading up to the big day with candlelight celebrations, fireworks, sparklers, performances and paper lanterns.
- must do
Light a Diya (a traditional oil lamp) or take one home as a souvenir, try bamboo bending and indulge in some traditional Indian delicacies.
- DON’T MISS
The Ramleela Festival, a 10-day reenactment of the ancient Hindu epic Ramayana, a captivating performance that ends with the burning of a giant-sized statue of the villain in the story, Rawana. Location varies each year.