Trinidad Carnival
Monday and Tuesday

Following the massive musical competion on Saturday night, Carnival culminates two hectic days, Carnival Monday and Tuesday. Sleep is a luxury on these days.

J'Ouvert

Each year at 4 a.m. on Monday, Carnival begins as the energetic rhythms of soca music and Carnival revelers take to the streets for the predawn party known as  J'Ouvert.

J'Ouvert (from the French 'jour ouvert' or 'day open') is almost ritualistic in its celebration of the darker elements of Trinidad's folklore and history.

Bathed in chocolate, mud, oil and paint, costumed Trinidadians depict devils, demons, monsters and imps. Whatever the form of expression; J'Ouvert is a time for loosening of inhibitions. At least until daylight.

With so many people taking part, j'ouvert is deafening, intoxicating, crushing, unforgettable, a true celebration (and testing) of the senses.

Carnival Monday

Come daylight, the J'Ouvert revelry clears and massive costumed bands of "Pretty Mas" players flood the street in a riot of colors.

Thousands take to the street "jumping up" and "wining" (gyrating of the hips) to the sound of soca blaring from speakers piled onto music trucks. The excitement is at fever pitch, but Carnival Monday is only a "warm-up" for Carnival Tuesday.

Carnival Tuesday

Carnival Tuesday begins promptly at 8 a.m. when thousands of masqueraders, all in full costume, impatiently wait their chance to strut in front of the TV cameras as bands cross the main judging points.

Each band has its own historical, mythological or tropical theme with various sections depicting aspects of the main storyline.

Bands are judged in 3 categories: small, medium and large. Winners are announced after all the bands have crossed the stage. The Champion Band is crowned Masquerade Band of the Year

Overall, Carnival is an exhausting, unforgettable experience, with all the senses overloaded by the music, dancing and costumes.

Nothing else like it in the Northern Hemisphere. Only the Carnival in Rio is a contender.

But Trinidad's Carnival is totally family--and tourist--friendly.

To Trinidad Carnival Homepage