After enjoying a vegan version of callaloo, Sara and Sammy wanted to learn more about the culture of Trinidad and Tobago. Of course, they went on a field trip! You can see what they did here.

The Incredibly Rich Culture of Trinidad and Tobago

Trinidad and Tobago is the birthplace of calypso music and the steelpan, which is widely claimed in Trinidad and Tobago to be the only acoustic musical instrument invented during the 20th century. The diverse culture of Trinidad, and varied religious background also allows for many festivities and ceremonies throughout the year such as Carnival, Diwali, and Eid festivities.

Music

Calypso music started in Trinidad and Tobago. One of the world’s most beloved calypso musicians is Harry Belafonte, who was actually born in New York! His songs are widely recognized, but he was also a major supporter of the Civil Rights Movement and continues humanitarian work around the world. Listen to a fun song by Harry Belafonte, The Father of Calypso, here.

Soca Music

Soca music (also known as the soul of calypso) is a genre of Caribbean music that originated within a marginalized subculture in the Trinidad and Tobago.

This video of the song “Plant de Land”, by Lord Shorty, the founder of Soca, shows beautiful images of Trindad. Listen to the lyrics, and you will learn a lot about the culture.

Chutney soca

This form of soca music is influenced by Trinidad and Tobago’s Indian population. Most of the songs have lyrics in Hindi.

Parang soca

Parang is a combination of calypso, soca, and Latin music. It is most often sung in Spanish.

Festivals in Trindad and Tobago

Carnival

This colorful celebration is an annual event held on the Monday and Tuesday before Ash Wednesday in Trinidad and Tobago. The style of Carnival celebrated in Trinidad is celebrated all over the world! One day of Carnival includes a special Children’s Parade.

There are cultural events before the street parade on Carnival Monday and Tuesday. The festival features calypso music; but, soca music has rapidly become popular as well. Costumes, stick-fighting and limbo competitions are also important components of the festival.

Diwali

Diwali, otherwise known as the Festival of Lights, is one of the most anticipated events in Trinidad. Although it is a Hindu festival, in the island’s multicultural and multi-religious society it is a national holiday observed by people of all denominations.

Eid

Eid-al-Fitr (also called Eid) marks the end of Ramadan, which is the Islamic month of fasting and prayer. Eid is the first day of the  month of Shawwal. People attend communal prayers, and give zakat al-fitr (charity in the form of food) during Eid al-Fitr. Children are given gifts, and people often make new, fancy, clothes to wear.

Have you ever been to Trindad and Tobago? We’d love it if you’d share your pictures with us! Tag us on Instagram @SupKidsCooking.