10 MUST SEE FESTIVALS and EVENTS – VISIT TOBAGO

07 Apr 10 MUST SEE FESTIVALS and EVENTS – VISIT TOBAGO

Visit Tobago to enjoy a captivating Caribbean island. It is a perfect idyllic retreat for vacationers on the lookout for a peaceful laidback and carefree holiday. But it has more to offer than its natural beauties and serene ambiance. For an island known widely for “liming”, which is an important part of the Caribbean art culture, which means sharing a good conversation and laughter amidst a good dose of music, fun and drinks; festivals and social events add that extra zing to the holidaying spirit.

Vibrant dressing up, dynamic energy and music from all genres become the staple during these events which is a part of the Tobago monthly calendar. Get a Covid test and step in any month to enjoy the one-of-its-kind festivals in all its glory. So while in Tobago do tick off a few of these top 10 most treasured festivals. So check your itinerary, depending on the month your visit will leave you holistically rejuvenated.

10 MUST SEE FESTIVALS AND EVENTS VISIT TOBAGO

Tobago has an impressive year-round list of events and festivals. If you are a foodie, cultural connoisseur, eco enthusiast, or a magnet for melodic music a visit to Tobago will leave you fully satisfied. No trip can be undertaken without a Carnival jump. If the street parade is too much pace then watch the Tobago regatta, Great Race, or Dragonboat Race. The sea not for you? Head on over to the uniquely local Goat and Crab race. Still too much pace then slow it down and enjoy the sweet sounds of Tobago Jazz. If ultimately festivals are your groove then you have a range. with Culinary, Blue Food and Heritage. Come on it’s time to visit Tobago.

1. TOBAGO CARNIVAL

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Known simply as the “Bago Carnival”, the year starts off with this carnival which epitomizes the definition of color and calypso music. Come Mid-February and the streets of Tobago witness the most beautiful eye-catching parade of colors, revelry, soca and calypso music, good creole food and free-flowing drinks. This carnival has stuck true to its roots and hence holds fast many of the island’s age-old traditions. From African drumming to steel bands, bottle and spoon bands and many more quirky forms of traditional music is the pulse of the carnival.

The main highlight of this carnival is the Mud Mas which continues to grow in popularity. Come experience streets slithered with purified and treated mud. Feel free to dress up in whatever you can. Drench yourself from head to toe in this fun-filled mud spa kind of experience. It might sound gross or scary, but at the end of it, the therapeutic property of the mud will leave you rejuvenated. For the ultimate satisfaction, a dip in the sea waters of Buccoo or Castara the mud bath is a must. It will give you the most hassle-free yet intimate experience of the rich cultural side of the island nation.

2. TASTE OF TOBAGO GOLF CLASSIC

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Under the auspices of the Tobago Hospitality and Tourism Institute Tobago brings together golf and culinary hospitality like no other. Imagine after playing your holes on the majestic Magdalena Grand Beach and Golf Resort you are waited upon by some of the best chefs and mixologists the island has to offer.  You certainly will have your fill with curried crab and dumplings which you can douse down with Angostura Rum 1919 and coconut water.

Not only does the event tantalize your taste buds but your patronage goes towards the development of rising hospitality students who, under the watchful eyes of their mentors, experiences delivered by some of Tobago’s most creative chefs, mixologists and students

3. GOAT AND CRAB RACING FESTIVAL

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One of the singular events of Tobago is the extraordinary Goat and Crab Racing Festival held every year on Easter. Traditionally held at Buccoo Beach, it is a very hilarious fun event for the visitors to watch. It witnesses huge cheers of the audience amidst the seriousness of the participants ( “jockeys” ) and the ones betting for the goats and crabs. The specially trained well-decorated animals dash down a 110 metre track to the finish line, who are held by long ropes by the barefoot “jockeys” who hurtle behind them. Though it seems funny, the earnestness by which it is played makes the event one-of-its-kind.

4. TOBAGO JAZZ EXPERIENCE

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Normally held during the last week of April, the week-long Tobago Jazz Experience is one of its kind. The whole island seems to reverberate to the sound of music from every corner. Be it on the beach, inside the bars, lounges, or in parks too. The key venues of the fest are Pigeon Point, Scarborough, Speyside, Signal Hill, Castara. Some of show spaces even give the privilege of free entry.

Exhibiting some of the very best of indigenous music of Tobago and the Caribbean and regional jazz, it also showcases world music talents alongside soca, pop, hip-hop, R&B. The festival has attracted stars such as Sting, Diana Ross, Elton John, Miguel, Shabba Ranks, John Legend, Jill Scott, Jennifer Hudson, Angie Stone, Janelle Monae and many more.

Though worldly acclaimed as a jazz event, the festival also serves as a talent hunt for calypso, soca and chutney music. Head over to Tobago to get the real feel of good music amidst a different kind of hospitality.

5. CULINARY FESTIVAL

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If you are those travel nomads with a gastronomic urge to taste the local gourmet around the world, then do visit Tobago during May/June at Pigeon Point Heritage Park. Your stomach will be in for an epicurean roller coaster ride as the island’s best chefs, cooks and even bartenders exhibit their culinary skills and partake in mixology competitions. It’s worth the show when you get to sample and savour the local dishes and signature cocktails of the island.

6. DRAGON BOAT FESTIVAL

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Inspired by the traditional Chinese pastime, every year in mid-June a weekend is marked where the clear blue turquoise water of Pigeon Point hosts a series of fast -paddling races between the senior and junior teams from both the islands, each with a 20 member crew, compete for superiority in rowing the Dragon-Boat. The long, narrow boats are mostly embedded with Chinese-style dragon heads and tails. Thousands of visitors throng the area to witness the inauguration of the dragon- boat race which is held in honour to mark the arrival of the Chinese immigrants some 200 years ago.

7. HERITAGE FESTIVAL

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The Heritage Festival is one of the biggest events on Tobago’s calendar. It gives a sneak peek into the past cultures, rituals and traditions which have shaped the island. Getting a kick start from mid-July and running till August, this theme-based festival celebrates folk traditions. Traditions that date back to their African roots showcasing historical drama, superstitions, storytelling, dance and culinary traditions of each village from the 1900s.

Long-time games, heritage walks, harvest traditions, helping fishermen for the big catch in turn getting rewarded too with some fresh offerings, beach football and seafood breakfast are the plentiful activities on offer. Each village exhibits their own events. Like ‘ole time dance, ‘ole time mas, old-time Tobago wedding, the Plymouth Ole Time Carnival, and the Pembroke Salaka Feast which features the African-derived sacred dances like reel, limbo and jig to stick fighting. This festival is a celebration of all Tobagonian traditions so don’t give it a miss!

8. GREAT FETE

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If you are willing to party hard on “the longest weekend of the world”, the Great Fete is for you. The beginning of August, which is also supposedly the holiday break for local college-goers, witnesses one of the greatest footfalls in the world’s most talked about festival that is held at Pigeon Point. This annual party festival, once a part of the Great Race celebration, boasts of five straight nights of extreme partying. DJs, soca and Dancehall stars attend from various parts of the Caribbean. There are numerous challenges and activities to keep the party revellers engaged. You got to see it, to believe it.

Advice: Just be mindful of the turtles on the beach, as it is also the prime nesting season.

9. BLUE FOOD FESTIVAL

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Have you ever heard or witnessed a culinary celebration that pays homage to the versatility of a traditional vegetable with great pomp and joy? Don’t give a second thought. Instead head over to the villages of Bloody Bay, L’Anse Fourmi, and Parlatuvier. All on the northeast coast of the island during October. See how the Tobagonians celebrate Dasheen. This root crop takes centre stage and plays a pivotal role in most of the dishes cooked for the festival. This festival aims to promote the consumption of this local variety among visitors and locals alike. Some varieties of Dasheen taro acquire a bluish or indigo tint when cooked hence the name of the festival.

This one-day gastronomic celebration brings forward local licensed chefs. They sharpen their culinary skills and bring forward lip-smacking innovative dishes. Dishes that are made from Dasheen ranging from entrees, cookies, liqueurs, ice creams, sauces and even lasagne and desserts. Ranked as one of the world’s best food festivals by CNN, this gastronomic adventure is worth the visit.

10. HARVEST FESTIVAL

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This festival is distinct in its way of celebration. It is held all around the year. That is on one Sunday of each month by one or more villages throughout the island. They celebrate the annual harvest and start it off by visiting the churches. Then they spend the whole day by communal feasting on tempting dishes and enjoying good music.

Final Thoughts

So while you visit Tobago, make it a point to attend the community feasts and festivals, Tobagonian tradition demands it. Come experience these unique events and taste the delectable local Thanksgiving meals. The local people generate a deeply embedded jovial spirit exuding bonhomie and geniality for friends and strangers alike.

Just as this tropical paradise can startle you with its blue turquoise water amidst the serene backdrop giving the most laidback of all holidays for the romantic hearted, it is also a treasure house of an active getaway where non -stop action is the call of the hour amid the best of hospitality and warmth. You have to be here once in your lifetime to experience both sides of this Tobago Caribbean delight.

Travel advice:

1. You should possess a valid 6 months passport from the date of entry into Trinidad and Tobago.
2. Visitors do not typically require a visa to visit the island, however, there may be some exceptions. You get a minimum 90 days permit, provided you have sufficient funds and a valid return ticket.
3. The Trinidad and Tobago borders are now open. For travel, you must produce a valid Covid test negative report. Follow the process outlined in the Trinidad Travel Pass application.