When it comes to Carnival traditions, there are few bigger than Carnival in Trinidad and Tobago. Taking place every year in Port of Spain, it’s a time when the community comes together for a multi-day celebration full of energetic music, elaborate costumes and general good vibes. But it goes much deeper than that.
Beginning with the enslaved peoples of Trinidad and Tobago in the 18th century, carnival has become a symbol of liberation and emancipation for those who grew up in and around Trinbagonian culture. Whether it’s re-enactments of the Canboulay riots on Carnival Friday, the J’ouvert paint party in the early hours of Monday morning, or dressing up in a masquerade costume and “playing mas” during the main carnival parades, these events are a way to remember and honor the ancestors and history of Trinidad and Tobago.
However, music is at the heart of Carnival and the festivities revolve around two genres that originated in Trinidad and Tobago: calypso and soca. Shantel Christmasa member of the Artist & Label Partnerships team in Toronto who traces her roots to the Caribbean, explained to For the record that calypso and soca are key sounds for Trinbagonians, in the same way reggae and dancehall are at the core of Jamaican culture.
Calypso, anchored by legends such as Calypso Rosecharacterized by her storytelling, verbal wit, and use of the steel pan as a primary instrument, she also noted. Like reggae, calypso songs tend to be slower, and every year during Carnival, calypso groups participate in Panorama, which is the largest calypso competition in the world.
“Soca, on the other hand, is more energetic,” she said. With faster tempos and heavy beats, soca is music made for dancing. It is during carnivals that genre icons such as straight, Machel MontanoAND Patrice Roberts showcase their latest tunes for the crowds.
In his eyes WHOanother titan of soca, Carnival is an important time for musicians, not only because it’s a chance to perform for thousands of people, but because they help set the tone for the entirety of Carnival.
“Music is the soundtrack to Carnival. It ties everything together and dictates the energy and the mood,” Kes said For the record. “It carries the thrill of the people to the peak when we take to the streets on Carnival Monday and Tuesday.”
But while Kes’ focus tends to be on the parades during Carnival, he still finds time to get J’ouvert.
“If my J’ouvert is good, my carnival is good.” Kes has shared. “It’s where we take over the streets – covered in paint, mud, oil, or even chocolate! – and the vibrations stay high from 4 a.m. until sunrise. J’ouvert celebrates Canboulay when slaves revolted in the early hours of the morning and fought for their right to celebrate carnival over 100 years ago.
And like other holidays around the world, Kes found that Carnival not only helps him connect with the history of Trinidad and Tobago, but with that of his family.
“On the Friday morning of Carnival I like to go to see the re-enactment of the Canboulay riots, that’s why we still celebrate today,” he said. “My dad grew up where they hold it every year on Piccadilly Street in Port of Spain, so it’s my way of remembering him and everything he taught us about culture growing up.”
After the events are over, carnival goers often experience a unique feeling referred to by Trinbagonians as “tabanca”. As the tabanca begins, many people experience deep sadness and may even cry as they return to their daily routine. But it also gives them a sense of anticipation for next year’s carnival.
And as they continue the rest of the year, Kes explained that music is still at the heart of culture.
“It’s in the way we talk, dance, eat, make love and mourn,” Kes said. “It is a general reflection of our inborn vibe as Trinbagonians. We have always found joy, laughter and humor in the hardest of times. It is our medicine. This is our culture and this is who we are.”
To capture more of the Carnival 2022 vibe, check out the Soca Classics and Soca Bashment playlists.
