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TRINIDAD & TOBAGO
HISTORY
When these islands were discovered by Columbus in 1498, they were inhabited by several tribes of Indians who were severely decimated by European settlers. Trinidad was colonized by Spain, but captured by the British in 1797. Africans were brought in to work on the plantations, but slavery was abolished in 1833. From 1854 to 1915, many East Indians were brought in as indentured labourers and most of them remained.Tobago changed hands several times between the Spanish, Dutch, French and English, until it was finally ceded to the British in 1814. Trinidad and Tobago merged in 1888 to form a single British colony.
In 1958 the Federation of the West Indies was established, embracing all of the British West Indian islands, including Jamaica and Barbados. However, Jamaica withdrew in 1961 and the Federation collapsed shortly thereafter. Trinidad and Tobago became an independent member of the British Commonwealth on August 31, 1962 and became the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago on September 24, 1976.
GEOGRAPHY
These are the two most southerly islands in the Lesser Antilles chain of the Caribbean Islands. Trinidad, the main and larger of the two islands is bordered by the Atlantic Ocean on the East, Columbus Channel on the South, the Gulf of Paria on the West, and the Caribbean Sea on the North and comprises an area of 1,864 square miles (roughly the size of Rhode Island), 60 miles long and 37 miles wide. Venezuela is Trinidad's closest neighbor, only seven miles divides them at their closest point. Three low mountain ranges cross Trinidad, the highest point being 3,085 feet in the heavily forested northern range. Both the northern and southern range run roughly east to west. The central range runs diagonally. Between the northern and central ranges the land is flat and well watered; between the central and southern ranges, the land is rolling, and the water supply is often poor during dry seasons. Some 42% of the island is farms, 43% is forested and swamps are found along the east and west coasts.
Tobago, Trinidad's sister island is only 1/16th the size of Trinidad and lies 21 miles northeast of Trinidad. Tobago has an area of 116 square miles and is about 25 miles long and 7 1/2 miles wide. There is one mountainous ridge (of volcanic origin) running through the center of the island northeast to southwest and has a maximum elevation of 1,800 feet. Fishing and tourism are the principal occupations. Tobago has miles of scenic beaches and there are many resort hotels, lagoons and undersea coral gardens with tropical fish. The most popular of these is Buccoo Reef.
CLIMATE
Trinidad & Tobago have a pleasant tropical climate. Although only a short distance north of the equator (10 ), the tropical climate is cooled by the prevailing trade winds. There is an average temperature all year of 21 C to 32 C (70 F to 90 F). We have two seasons - dry and rainy. January to May is the dry season with temperatures about 32 C and June to December is the rainy season with August being the peak month of the rainy season. Relative humidity is 75% to 85% and rainfall averages 85 inches per year. Most of the rain comes in short heavy showers, followed by lots of bright sunshine. In the dry season the humidity is usually much lower and strong winds help to moderate the heat. The hottest months are May and October. Unlike some of the other islands of the Caribbean, this area is almost completely free of storms, being well south of the hurricane belt.LANGUAGE AND CULTURE
English is the predominant language in this highly literate society, although you may occasionally hear some French, Spanish, Hindu and Chinese spoken.Trinidad and Tobago have a cosmopolitan society with an estimated population of 1,300,000. People of African descent make up about 40% of the population. About 40% are of Asian Indian background, and the remainder are of European, Middle East, Chinese or mixed ancestry. This mingling of races has given a richness to the national life, unusual in this part of the hemisphere.
The varied population of Trinidad has also introduced a variety of religions. Christianity, Hinduism and Islam exist peaceably side by side. There are Anglican and Roman Catholic cathedrals, Muslim mosques, and Hindu temples, as well as Methodist, Presbyterian and Baptist churches.
GOVERNMENT
Trinidad and Tobago is a democratic republic. Although now completely independent from Britain, the country retains the Westminster Parliamentary style of government with a House of Representatives and a Senate. The members of the House are elected for five-year terms unless Parliament is earlier dissolved. The Senate's members are appointed by the President, some on the advice of the Prime Minister and others on the advice of the Leader of the Opposition.The President is elected by Parliament as Head of State. The daily direction and control of the government rests with the Cabinet, led by the Prime Minister. Tobago has a separate House of Assembly controlling domestic affairs.
HOLIDAYS
- New Year's Day - January 1
- Carnival - preceding Ash Wednesday
- Spiritual Baptist Day - March 30
- Arrival Day - May 30
- Labour Day - June 19
- Emancipation Day - August 1
- Independence Day - August 31
- Christmas Day - December 25
- Boxing Day - December 26
Many other religious holidays are celebrated in Trinidad and Tobago. There are two very important ones, and their dates vary each year:- "Divali" is the beautiful Festival of Lights celebrated by the Hindus around the end of October and honors the Goddess, Lakshmi. Deeyahs, clay receptacles filled with oil and a wick, are placed at the doors. There are prayers and large celebrations.
"Eid-ul-Fitr" is a Muslim festival, marking the end of the month of fasting, (Ramadan). Prayers and alms mark this happy occasion. A special feature is the "Sawine" dish, a mixture of vermicelli, milk, sugar, raisins and spices.
There are other festivals not officially noted, which might be of interest. An Indian epic-drama is held in several villages toward the end of October. This is called Ramlilla. "Hosay" is an Indian Commemoration of the martyrdom of (Imam) Hosein in Mecca.
The Prime Minister's Best Village competition features, dancing, folk music and handicrafts. It is a significant national event.
CARNIVAL
Trinidad and Tobago is the birthplace of the calypso and the steel band and where "carnival" is something to remember. Calypso is not only a unique form of folk art, but a means of comment on any aspect of life - love and marriage, politics, or the cost of living - and reflects the spirit of the people. Mardi Gras, preceding Ash Wednesday, is called "Carnival" in Trinidad and Tobago. It begins with "Ju Vay" (Jour Ouvert) at 4:00 a.m. on Monday and ends with "Las Lap" at midnight Tuesday. Unofficially the celebrations begin earlier including Dimanche Gras, which is a Sunday evening show of costumes and calypso singing.There are many competitions for which cash prizes are given. There is a King of Carnival, a Queen of Carnival, Carnival King and Queen of the Band, the Band of the Year, Junior Carnival King and Queen and more. There are also a variety of calypso singers, and dance acts in the show. There are many children's competitions called "Kiddies' Carnival". The biggest is the Red Cross show where the Junior Carnival Queen is chosen.
Various "ole Mas' Fetes" occur sponsored by private clubs. The dress for all events is casual. "Tent" shows preceding Carnival feature all of the new Carnival songs written and sung by Calypsonians. To enjoy the songs you may need a Trinidadian to interpret the ribaldry which includes lots of patois and local slang.
If you want to join in a Band and "jump up", you must purchase a costume from your chosen band. A mas band consists of its followers which can be a few thousand and the music trucks - either Dee Jays or Brass Bands who provide the music for the revellers. As a band member, you dance along the streets with your group and then go before the judges. Each band has a major theme with a variety of costumes. During Carnival, pandemonium reigns for several days. Everybody stops work and jumps to the rhythms of the steel bands and there is tumult in the streets, but at midnight Tuesday, it all stops and Trinidad goes back to work.
LINKS
For more information about Trinidad and Tobago, buy one of the books available at our Online Bookstore, and visit the following links:
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