T&T is good for you in so many ways; it’s reflected in the songs every Carnival season that proclaim we’re the ‘happiest people alive’ or that in the face of adversity ‘we jamming still’. The source is the festival to end all festivals; an extravaganza that builds from the debut of Soca songs on New Year’s Day, to the all out explosion of colour, expression and freedom that is Carnival weekend. It’s a varied treatment, that leaves you wanting more. Begin by being immersed in Port of Spain with fellow ‘limers’ who now have a rhythmic, albeit tired bounce in their step, a bit tired because they’ve been partying since January 1st when the fêtes begin: and they’re so many - cooler fêtes, all inclusives, dressed-up galas, live performances with fireworks and lazers, water spraying fêtes, breakfast fêtes, boat fêtes. Try them all with the notion that on this wellness trajectory, variety is the spice of life (www.trinidadcarnivaldiary.com). It’s now time to add comedy and music to the remedial process which means a visit to the Calypso Tents that dot the cityscape (http://www.tucott.com/). Within are political, global and local observations, together with the inevitable ‘picong’ (light banter at someone’s expense), or just plain comical performances from calypsonians that ply their trade with rivalry and camaraderie.
Festivals
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