Posts

Christmas in Trinidad

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Hi Guys, Christmas is special everywhere, I it is one of those universal holidays.   So let me tell you about a Trini Christmas, here everyone celebrates it regardless of religion, ethnicity or any other affiliation.   For Christians going to church and all the religious activities are observed however, for the rest of the population elaborate preparations are done.   Homes are decorated, groceries are stocked with food that are normally not bought all year round, I recall growing up only for Christmas one would get apple and grapes. Trini Christmas food. Source:cookingwithria.com Parang is a Spanish type of music brought from Venezuela, is the music of the season, Parang fetes are held at many places leading up to Christmas.   Paramain is a community on the north coast which, has a beautiful parang festival with traditional food ( pastel, local wine, sweet bread, cake, wild meat and the much more ) dance, within the community one is welcomed and treated as family f
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Divali

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Hi Folks, I am sure most of you have heard about the Hindu festival of light called Divali.   It is a Hindu religious festival of colors, music, dance, food and many activities. Celebrated either October or November it signifies the triumph of light over darkness, good over evil.   The story goes after lord Rama conquered the evil king Ravan and rescued mother Sita ( his wife ) he was on his way home, after a 14 year exile in the forest.   Due to a promise he made to his brother, Bharat, he will not return home one day late, if he did Bharat would sacrifice himself in a holy fire.   Divali celebration in Felicity. Source: trinidadguardian.com The entire kingdom was in joy to see their new king, lord Rama and thus they lit the streets with earthen lamps (deyas) to welcome him and held a large celebration in every village.   Mother Sita being the incarnation of the Goddess of light, it is also signifies a tribute to her.   Songs were sung, sweet foods and treats were
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Trini Festivities

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Hi Guys, So we have been chatting about several holidays and observances together with some places of interest and things to do here in Trinidad.   As indicated in my welcome post, the Trinidad events calendar has year round festivities to keep one occupied.   Now I would not go into the “summer vacation” as that’s just lots of family time which are spent in various ways.   Tassa drum at the Hosay festival at St James. Source: Trinidadguardian.com The festival of Hosay is a parade of colors, its really a significant observance of Muslims, after the death of the Prophet Muhammad in 632 AD, there was a rift between different factions within the faith.   Today the festival is observed with many other nations around the world, though as indicated from my previous post, nothing in Trinidad remains untouched.   Tassa and prayers and reenactment are all done and it’s a marvelous display.   Collage of  Ram Leela festival at Pierre Road. Source: trinidadguardian.com
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Wild meat

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Hi Guys, Adventure into the forest and mountains has great scenery and trails for the outdoor enthusiasts and even outdoor motor sport, which I am sure one can find most places.   But have you ever went hunting wild meat, I guess it’s pretty common in most parts as well. For it is a cultural part of Trinidad and I would be remiss to omit such a past time. Northern Range with Poui trees blossoming. Source: roughguides.com   Once the hunting season opens, the poor creatures in the wild has to fear for their lives, as they are great delicacies.   Deer, agouti, lappe, tattoo, manicou, wild hog, iguana and probably a few more, which eludes me at this time, are all sort after catches.   Friends and family would go into the wild with their dogs and spend at least 1 night chasing their prey.   Some would sell their catch as they can fetch a high price, a pound of deer meat is about US$20.00 and the other meat are just as or higher price, so its not just all for fun and spor
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A day at the beach

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Hi Guys, How can I omit to mention a day at the beach; admittedly Trinidad is not the best destination for beach goers as it does not lend itself to the white sandy shores and cool green water as Tobago or the other Caribbean islands.   Trinidad beach experience however will impress; there are many popular beaches and a few hidden treasures, which are secluded and requires a hike or boat ride.    Due to water coming from Guyana River the silt covers Trinidad so the beaches to the southern end are normally brown in color except for Columbus bay, which has some pristine water ( once the tide is in ) found in the south western peninsula. Salybia beach view from resort. Source: discovertnt.com Lots of fishing villages located nearby will provide you with either fresh caught or supplies and advice should your desire be fishing.   The north east coast has Toco resort and the old lighthouse ( national monument ), a great family area or try one of the nearby beaches for surfi
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A visit to the Emperor Valley Zoo

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Hi Folks, Normally, I would not do a post about a zoo, I mean what is so culturally special about a zoo???   However, listening to some of my Caribbean friends about their excitement to visit the zoo made me understand just how much I take these things for granted.    Located in Port of Spain, situated on 7.2 acres of hill land and has lots of flora, which enhance the landscape.   Carrying a wide range of animals, birds, fishes and reptiles which are both local and from around the world. Our very own Crocodile hunter. Source: zstt.org As a child, visiting the zoo was a magical experience, seeing so many new species of life and a crocodile and alligator up close was both terrifying and intriguing, not to mention the snakes, who knew they are so big.   The aquarium room on the other hand was a challenge as we try to impress our friends by pretending to know the names of each species.   Seeing the Otter frolic and do tricks, or wondering if the white Bengal Tigers wi
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A visit to the Queen's Park Savannah

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Hi Folks, My last set of post has been about sites to visits and a bit deeper historical and cultural aspect, so I will keep this one a bit simple.   Have you ever been to the largest round about in the world; yes, that’s right, it’s in Trinidad.   The Queen’s Park Savannah, called the Savannah buy locals is located in the capital Port of Spain, its perimeter is 2 miles (3.5 km), lined with Samaan and Poui trees it is the largest open recreational area for outdoor activities in the capital.  Poui Trees at the Queen's Park Savannah. Source: afar.com The Savannah is the center stage for Carnival but outside of Carnival one can find joggers and health fanatics, sports ( cricket and football is a must ), family picnics, couples on romantic walks and at the top of the list good Trini food.   Vendors are found all around the Savannah; one can find from doubles, roti, coconut, corn soup, burgers just about every Trini street food.   Of course, there are other plann
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