J’OUVERT The start of Carnival

J’OUVERT

The start of Carnival Monday

This festivity kicks off at 4:00 a.m. on Carnival Monday morning, showcasing participants covered in paint, mud, and oil while dancing through the streets to the pulsating rhythms of soca, calypso, and steelpan music. It’s a time of revelry and freedom, where people shed their inhibitions and embrace the spirit of Carnival. J’ouvert stands as a reminder of the people’s resilience and creativity, serving as a time for communities to come together, celebrate their heritage, and revel in the joy of life.

PLAYING MAS

The Greatest Show on Earth

After J’ouvert early on Monday morning and all day on Carnival Monday and Tuesday, thousands of masqueraders flood the streets. They dance to the exhilarating sounds of soca music in elaborate costumes adorned with feathers, beads, and sequins, often depicting various themes. Mas bands compete for prizes and bragging rights. This is the apex of the Trinidad and Tobago Carnival experience – the only place to witness Carnival in its purest and most vibrant form.

KINGS & QUEENS

Our vibrant artistry on display

Known as “Dimanche Gras”, Trinidad’s Kings and Queens Carnival competition showcases immense imagination and skill from costume designers. Intricately detailed costumes and floats are displayed and carried by individuals. Often tied into specific mas band themes, competitors present their dazzling creations for judges. The competition also incorporates the finals of the National Carnival Calypso Monarch competition – a highly esteemed event showcasing numerous legendary artists. The competition remains a significant part of Trinidad and Tobago’s vibrant calypso culture. As a long-standing tradition deeply ingrained in the Carnival culture, the King and Queen of Carnival competition draws spectators from around the world.