Tobagofest

[DM Tatnall]

We are planning our first trip to Tobago, and are intrigued with the idea of Tobagofest as colorful, musical and cultural without the craziness of Carnival. Can anyone recommend what dates during September we should plan to be in Tobago? By the way, I appreciate all the information available on myTobago - is making planning much easier!

[Clyde Alleyne]

From what I could see, there has been no official announcement regarding Tobago Fest 2007, as it does not show up on any events calendars. It's normally in the September - October timeframe and the THA cancelled last year's due to a clash with Carifesta 2006. Whether it will happen in 2007 is not yet known for sure. Check this THA link for scheduled events in Tobago for the second half of 2007 http://www.visittobago.gov.tt/load_page.asp?ID=65
Hope this helps with your travel planning.

Clyde

[David Watkins]

Hi,Tobagofest is scheduled for 3-5th October 2007.
More info on this and other events at http://tobagowi.com/
David

[Matt Day]

I will be in Tobago when the fest is scheduled, although only discovered this after booking up, and doing my homework!

I was wandering if anyone had been on the island while the fest is on, and knew what disruption it caused. I know that Antigua has a similar Mass and Carnival, and that the whole island grinds to a halt for days! Is this the case for Tobago fest?

Also is it a full on carnival or simply the Soca and pan bands warming up for the trini carnival?

[Steve Wooler]

Hi Matt

Welcome aboard!

To be honest, I've got little/no information about the Tobago Fest. However, you can be assured that it will NOT be a major cause for disruption. Most of these events are very small local events hardly even causing disruption in the villages in which they take place.

So, no fears there I'm sure.

[Hugh S]

David, Thanks for that website. I will explore it more later.

Regarding Tobagofest, I attended the very first one (about 5 years ago?) and it was an all nighter in Scarborough with crowds of dancing teens followed by Jouvet, Mud Mass and then the parade. It disrupted traffic in town but nowhere else. No cars were moving through town and we had to walk up to the highway to get a taxi. It was a great time and I still wear my painted-up jersey with pride. I have since washed the paint off of the rest of my body. It's probably best that I can't attach any photos.

[Matt Day]

Thanks Guys.

Glad it's not the island stopper I imagined! Sounds like a great party, will hopfully have some reports of this years event, when I get back.

Although my fiancee (or wife when we're there as it's our honeymoon ) will be 5 months up the duff, so all night partying may not be on the cards

[David Watkins]

Hugh,are you sure you're not mixing Carnival with Tobagofest?
Jouvret and Mud Mas are part of Carnival.
Tobagofest is about local culture,where each village/district celebrates in thier own way in music,dance and play.
I don't think many probs in Scarbro',though now the Esplanade is nearing completion,there may well be more happening there.
David

[Hugh S]

David,

The first Tobagofest was a mini-carnival but it became Carifest and now is back to Tobagofest.

I think what you are talking about is the Tobago Heritage Festival which just ended. It is spread all over the island and each village does it's own show with it's own theme. We went to the opening on Friday the 13th, a few of the village celebrations and then to the Caribbean Night concert at Dwight York stadium with David Rudder, Ella Andall and Brother Resistance. Great show! Closing night was July 31st.

Hugh

[DM Tatnall]

In case anyone is interested, I just read on the on-line Tobago newspaper that Tobagofest is not going to happen, at least not for this year. While we planned our trip around this, I was only a bit disappointed as it appears there are many other wonderful things to do (or not) on Tobago.
I also picked up that Tobago is not exactly a rigidly scheduled sort of place (I have an intuitive grasp of the obvious!), so the festival falling apart did not really shock me. And if I were rigid myself, I wouldn't be heading for Tobago next week!

By the way, does anyone know of any particular place that is good to see local artist studios and galleries?

Thanks, thanks, thanks for all information! I can't wait!
Donna

[Lisa Keith]

Hi Donna,

There's an art gallery in the Lowlands - if you turn off the main road by Gordon's Plaza (Kadds Supermarket), it's on the right hand side near to the Garden Centre. There aren't as many on the island as I'd have thought, as the island seems to have a wealth of talent! There's also an Arts and Crafts centre at Mount Irvine, although the last time I was in there it seemed to have mostly sarongs! There are also plenty of stalls at Store Bay which have jewellery, wooden carvings and things.... Not necessarily to everyone's taste, but it's worth a wander around!

Have fun!
Lisa.

[Hugh S]

There is a small crafts store called Culture House on Wilson Road as you turn down from the main highway, opposite Blue Water and Royal Chicken (I think its Royal?). It is in the stretch between T&TEC and TSTT but on the other side of the street. Our friend Nolan the Rastaman is the owner. He has a wide variety of art and crafts. Please tell him hello.

Hugh

[David Watkins]

Back to Tobagofest,according to last weeks Tobago News it will not take place this year!
David