12 November 2007

TRINIDAD & TOBAGO: 2008 EVENTS

In ‘True Caribbean’ style, the vibrant twin island destination of Trinidad & Tobago will be buzzing during 2008 with a calendar full of exciting events taking place on its shores. Although every month is crammed with spectacle, traditional culture and the party spirit, the following events in particular are not to be missed:

The Tobago International Pro-Am 26 January-02 February 2008
The Tobago International Pro-AM is the ideal way to start the season, according to Chris Richards, 2007 Professional Champion. Open to men and women, the professional and amateur teams will compete on one of the finest Caribbean courses, the 18-hole International Championship standard course at Mount Irvine Bay, for tournament prize money of £22,500.

Carnival, Trinidad & Tobago 04-05 February 2008
The Trinidad Carnival has evolved from elaborate masquerade balls to the present spectacle which sees the streets transform into an explosion of colour and noise. With each new group of immigrants adding its own touch, Carnival has blossomed into a nationwide party, with calypso and steel pan music reflecting the country's multi-ethnic nature. Carnival today includes influences from all creeds, races and classes and has spread well beyond the shores of Trinidad & Tobago.

Leatherback Turtle Season, Trinidad & Tobago 01 March-31 August 2008
The beautiful beaches of Trinidad & Tobago are among the few places left on earth where the Leatherback Turtle comes ashore to mate and nest. Endangered and fiercely protected by law, these fascinating creatures can be observed on the beaches between the months of March and August as they lay their eggs and as their hatchlings emerge. Visitors can also learn more and can raise awareness of the importance of turtle conservation projects underway on the island.

International Game Fishing Tournament, Tobago 06-09 March 2008
With some of the Caribbean’s most productive big game fishing grounds, Tobago’s annual International Game Fishing Tournament is a highlight on the calendar of angling enthusiasts. The weekend-long event is hosted by the village of Charlotteville on the north-eastern tip point of Tobago, where competitors battle it out to catch the finest Blue and White Marlin, Sailfish, Tuna, Dolphin and Wahoo.

Buccoo Goat, Donkey and Crab Races, Tobago 24 March 2008
This Easter Monday tradition has been running for 75 years and was introduced as a local (and much more entertaining) alternative to the patrician pastime of thoroughbred horse racing. Goats and ‘jockeys’, who run alongside, compete against one another for victory amongst all the affectations of a day at Ascot. Crabs compete on a course of their own to the frenzied delight of the crowd. Whilst victory is key, the winning and losing crabs all fare the same fate – becoming lunch!

Plymouth Jazz Festival, Tobago 25-27 April 2008
The annual Tobago Jazz Festival is a star-studded extravaganza in the sun. Local talent will be showcased alongside some of the world’s biggest superstars. International musicians are being booked up already for 2008’s event, and the calibre is set to be as high as ever; the 2007 line up boasted Elton John, Diana Ross and Mary J Blige.

Angostura Sail Week, Tobago 11-16 May 2008
Tobago is blessed with perfect sailing conditions, so it’s no surprise that the annual Angostura Sail Week is such an important event in the Trinbagoan calendar. Local and international sailors compete in the regatta, the friendliest on the circuit, which perfectly combines off-shore rivalry with on-shore revelry. Throughout the week of serious, not so serious and fun sailing off the southwest of the island on the Caribbean Sea, a party atmosphere prevails with Angostura rum punch and soca music for all.

Tobago Heritage Festival 12 July-02 August 2008
Tobagonians treasure their heritage and have united annually since 1987 to celebrate the colourful history that has shaped the culture of this beautiful and diverse island, which includes a mix of Amerindian, African and European influence. Each of the island’s communities stages their own production, which is a song, dance and oral extravaganza, including ‘Ole Time Tobago Wedding’, ‘Heel an' Toe’, ‘Bele’ and the recitation of folk tales and superstitions.

Divali, Trinidad October/ November 2008
Trinidad is a multicultural and multi religious island and the festivals and cultures of all are celebrated nationally. The Hindu festival of Divali, or the ‘Festival of Lights’, is one of the island’s most popular religious events of the year. Villages glitter with the light from a multitude of deyahs, or small oil candles in clay pots, and Hindus welcome visitors of all denominations into their homes for food and sweets. Stories of light defeating darkness and good conquering evil are acted out in communities across Trinidad.