myTobago – your questions, review and comment about Tobago

Can anyone confirm the dates for carnival on Tobago?
I have read elsewhere that it falls on Monday 7th Feb and Tuesday 8th Feb.
I am hoping this is correct as I arrive on the 7th!!
Where on the island does the parade and everything else take place??
Any info appreciated.
Cheers
Lesley

Hi Lesley

Yes, Carnival is 7-8 February next year. All the main action is in Scarborough - but you'll need to get down there very, very early in the morning (like 3-4am) if you want a good view.

Hi Steve
If you are talking about the early hours of the 8th Feb, that shouldn't be a prob.
I'm usually wide awake early hours the first morning I arrive cause of jet-lag!!
Does this go on all day and all night then!
I can't believe my luck, didn't know anything about the Carnival until today, and its something I am not gonna miss!
Have you ever been?
Lesley

Hi Lesley

Yes, very much from dawn to dusk and beyond. The 'main' carnival is over in Port of Spain in Trinidad. The Tobago carnival is a very, very much quieter event, but still worth seeing.

No, I confess I haven't been to it for many years so am not the best person to be providing information on it.

I'm pretty sure those are the dates. I hope to spend monday and tuesday in trinidad and enjoy the carnival. Then rest and relax in Tobago for 5 or 6 days. Dont want to miss Sunday School.

We experienced carnival in Trinidad two years ago. It is an amazingly site to behold, and the music will have you dancing all night long! Get lots of rest, because you won't sleep much. And sit in the North Stands at Queen's Park for all the festivities.

Do you really have to book years in advance to get a room for the Trinidad Carnival? I was thinking about booking our Tobago holiday around the Trinidad festivities - staying a week on Tobago, going to Trinidad for the Carnival, then back to Tobago for the remainder of the second week. Do anyone know how much flights are between the islands?

Hi Corinne

If you want GOOD accommodation in Port Of Spain, you must book a good year in advance for Carnival. You similarly need to book your flights on the airbridge (TT$200 return - CDN$40 p/p) pretty early. Other than that, it's a great thing to do.

Hi Steve,
Do you (or anyone else) know of a company called Caribbean Discovery Tours, based in Trinidad. They have a Carnival package for Trinidad, combined with a rainforest adventure, for $400 pp for five days. Sounds like a good deal. I have sent them an e-mail asking for more information, but was wondering if anyone else has used this company?

Corinne

Sorry Corinne - never heard of them. Mind you, don't place much emphasis on that, 'cos I haven't been to Trinidad for nearly 20 years.

Tobago carnival is a VERY much smaller affair than it's Trini cousin, but if you are in Tobago then it is worth taking a look and enjoying the atmosphere, which is still very good.

What goes on in the early hours of Monday morning (3-4pm) is J'Ouvert (literally 'the opening' of carnival). This is also often referred to as 'dirty mas', because there are no fancy costumes just plenty of paint, mud, oil and beer flying around! It is good fun but bear in mind that the whole point of this to most of the masqeraders is to get themselves 'mudded', and anyone else who happens to be around, especially if you make the mistake of wearing clean white clothes!

The main parades of bands take place during the day on Monday and Tuesday, so if the costumes are what you want to see, you really don't need to make that early a start.

I know that in the past some of the hotels have arranged transport to see the parades during the day, so it may be worth checking with wherever you are staying.

Do the people that are looking at the parade were special carnival clothes or are they dressed normal like any other day.
In Holland we all dress up even the people who are watching.

No, the people watching here don't normally get dressed up - costumes are normally only work by the people 'playing mas'.

Hi Rachel
Thanks for your information. Do you happen to know if the Coco-reef organise anything on the Tuesday.
I arrive on Mon 7th and would love to go the day parade on the Tuesday.
I have never been to the island before and feel it would be great to go with people who know all about it seeing as its our very first day there.
Thanks
Lesley

Lesley,

Sorry, but I honestly don't know if Coco Reef will be organising a trip to the carnival on Tuesday - however they did organise one to Scarborough for Tobago Fest (a mini Carnival in October), so I suspect there's a good chance.

If all else fails, just across the road from the entrance to Coco Reef you will find the Royal Taxi stand - these are reliable, honest guys who you can make an arrangement with to drop you in Scarborough and then meet you sometime later to bring you back to Coco Reef.

Enjoy!