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About Trinidad & Tobago
Welcome to Trinidad and Tobago, a unique Caribbean paradise. There is no place in the world quite like this tiny twin island republic of 1.3 million ethnically diverse people. Bursting with spirit and a heady mix of cultural activities, beautiful people, eco adventure and culinary delights, Trinidad and Tobago has something for everyone. Located just off the tip of Venezuela, Trinidad, the larger and livelier of the islands, is an industrial giant boasting exciting nightlife, a robust energy sector and growing manufacturing industry.
Yet a short distance away from the glitter and bustle of Port-of-Spain - the islands’ modern capital - another world exists. A drive along the North Coast Road, shaded by the lush forested canopy of the Northern mountain range, will yield breathtaking views of the Caribbean Sea; or head to Central Trinidad where the Caroni swamp - home to Scarlet Ibis and other exotic species - waits to share its secrets.
But if Trinidad is the energetic heart of these islands, Tobago is its serene soul. Just two hours away from Port-of-Spain by fast ferry, or 15 minutes by air travel, Tobago offers the weary traveler a change of pace. Blessed with warm azure blue seas that lap against pale pink sands of secluded beaches, Tobago is the perfect place to relax in the embrace of lingering, golden sunsets. For the nature lover, Tobago is home to the oldest protected rainforest in the Western Hemisphere and, for those with an adventurous spirit, the waters surrounding the island hosts stunning coral reefs teeming with marine life.
Home of Carnival, the greatest show on earth, Trinidad and Tobago has also given the humanity steelpan and world class athletes, including record breaking cricketer Brian Lara and star football striker Dwight Yorke, the Soca Warriors, Ato Boldon and Hasely Crawford.
In addition, having won several international beauty pageants, Miss Universe 1998, Wendy Fitzwilliam, is a “Trini”, we can also boast the most beautiful women on earth.
Culture and Actitivities
From Carnival to Christmas, Trinidad and Tobago can boast a vibrant and colourful cultural heritage. The contributions of the different ethnic groups that settled in these islands have combined to create a rich inheritance in the realms of dance, music, art and cuisine, making Trinidad and Tobago a hot spot for culture in the Caribbean.
The two-day explosion of colour, pageantry and abandon that marks Carnival, Calypso and Soca music, our indigenous musical instrument the Steelpan, Chutney Music, East Indian Classical and Limbo Dancing, are all products of a dynamic heritage and vibrant people. Many of the festivals celebrated in Trinidad and Tobago are religious in nature, including Hosay, Divali, Christmas, Eid-Ul-Fitr, Phagwa or Holi, Easter and Corpus Christi. Carnival may be the ultimate showcase for the plethora of artistic and cultural expressions in Trinidad and Tobago, but there are many other celebrations.
Arrival Day, Emancipation Day and Shouter Baptist Liberation Day and several others highlight the traditions and customs of specific ethnic and religious groups. Visitors to our warm shores should not be shy about participating in any festival or activity, in our multi-ethnic, multi-religious country, the wider community always gets involved - even if it is to just watch and admire.
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