The Culture of Trinidad and Tobago reflects the influence of African, Indian, French, Amerindian, Chinese, British, Spanish, Venezuelan, Caribbean, and American culture on Trinidad and Tobago. Since the histories of Trinidad and Tobago are different, there are differences in the cultural influences which have shaped each island. Despite their small sizes, there are also regional differences within each island.

Trinidad and Tobago is an English-speaking country with strong links to both the United Kingdom and the United States. Historical membership in the British Empire left a major influence on the country, including the dominance of the English language and the popularity of the two top sports in the country, football and cricket. The dominance of American television programming and Hollywood movies, together with the presence of a large emigrant population in the United States has resulted in a profound American influence on the culture.

A treble pan from Tobago

Festivals and music

Carnival

Main article: Trinidad Carnival

The most influential single factor on the culture of Trinidad and Tobago is Carnival. Carnival was brought to Trinidad by French settlers in the latter part of the eighteenth century. Originally the celebration was confined to the elite, but it was imitated and adapted by their slaves and, after the abolition of slavery in 1834 the practise spread into the free population. The Canboulay Riots of 1881 were a turning point in the evolution of Trinidad Carnival . Carnival was originally confined to the upper classes, who rode the streets in floats, or watched from the upper storeys of residences and businesses. The night was given over to the lower classes. The first few hours of Carnival Monday morning, from about 4 am until sunrise, was known as J'ouvert (a contraction of jour ouvert). Costumed and masked by the darkness, J'ouvert allowed the wealthy to mix with the poor in relative anonymity. Monday night (night 'mas) had a similar, but lesser function.

See also: Caribbean Carnival

Mas'

The daytime of Carnival Monday and Tuesday are dominated by costumed masqueraders. Until World War II most of these masqueraders portrayed traditional characters including the Midnight Robber, Police and Thief, Wild Indian, Bat, Jab Molassie, Jab Jab, Red Devil, Blue Devil, and Dame Lorraine. The wartime presence of American soldiers (and war movies) added the Sailor Mas'. In the postwar period the individuals gave way to organised bands, which today can include thousands of masqueraders. Peter Minshall is often considered the greatest mas' designer.

Carnival fetes

Christmas

Divali

See also: Diwali

Hosay

See also: Aashurah

Phagwah

See also: Holi

Music

Calypso

Main article: Calypso music

Calypso developed together with Carnival. The chantuelle, who spoke for the band, evolved into the calypsonian (and other characters, such as the Midnight Robber ). The music, which drew upon African and French influences, became the voice of the people. It allowed the masses to challenge the doings of the unelected Governor and Legislative Council, and the elected town councils of Port-of-Spain and San Fernando. As English replaced patois (Creole French) as the dominant language, calypso migrated into English, and in so doing it attracted more attention from the government. Calypso continued to play an important role in political expression, and also served to document the history of Trinidad and Tobago.

Soca

Main article: Soca

Chutney

Main article: Chutney music

Rapso

Main article: Rapso

Parang

Main article: Parang

Pichakarie

Main article: Pichakarie

Steelband

Main article: Steelpan

The steelband developed during the wartime period. The were preceded by the Tambu Bamboo bands, which used percussion instruments based on bamboo. The steelband movement developed in the postwar period. Many bands took names from war movies including Casablanca, Tokyo, Free French and Tripoli. The steelbands originated in poor neighbourhoods, and clashes between the bands were often violent. Following the Black Power riots of 1970, corporate sponsors put money into the steelband movement, bringing it more into the mainstream, but also divorcing it from its base.

Cuisine

Main article: Cuisine of Trinidad and Tobago

The cuisine of Trinidad and Tobago draws upon the varied origins of its people. Three influences predominate - Creole, Indian and Chinese cuisine.

Creole food commonly includes callaloo , macaroni pie and red beans. Indian food is based on curries. Although the Chinese element in the population is small, Chinese food is cooked in most homes, and is served in almost all "sit-down" restaurants.

Theatre

Painting, design, visual arts

Literary scene

Trinidad and Tobago have produced many noted writers - most famously, Nobel laureates Sir Vidia Naipaul and St. Lucia-born poet Derek Walcott.