Trinidad Cultural Appeal

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Hi Folks, Another popular site is the 85 feet Hanuman murti located in the Dattatreya temple in Carapichaima.   It is the tallest Hanuman murti in the western hemisphere and second tallest in the world.    Built according to the Dravidian style, architecture of South India in 2003, it is a site to behold.   The temple itself if also very beautiful and has a meditation center. Hanuman Murti. Source: trinidadguardian.com Hanuman being one of the more popular deity within the Hindu culture, it is said he is a warrior who protects the lord’s devotees and helps them to achieve the ultimate purpose of going back to Godhead.   He came on earth during the time of Shri Ram ( an avatar of the lord Vishnu ) he was a warrior who helped his master Shri Ram in the epic battle against the evil king Ravan who had kidnap Ram’s wife mother Sita ( the epic tale of the Ramayan ).   Hanuman is the 11 incarnation of lord Shiva and it is said that at the end of the Ramayan lord Ram request

Another very popular destination is the Waterloo Hindu Temple better known as the Temple in the Sea.    Originally built by an indentured laborer, Seedas Sadhu, back in 1947 as a place of worship it was soon destroy by the government, because it was built on state land.   Not being able to secure a piece of land to construct a place of worship Seedas Sadhu then undertook a 25 years project.   He would carry rocks and stones with his bicycle in a leather bag and fill a patch of land in the sea.   Aerial view of Temple in the Sea. Source: Buzztt.com Today it is a marvelous place, which has accomplished much more than its original intention.   The temple is a site of beauty; in 1994, the government working with religious groups renovated the temple in commemoration of the 150th anniversary of indentured laborers arriving in Trinidad.   Its octagon shape and master craftsmanship with wonderful colors and breath taking murtis of the Hindu Deities gives one a sense of awe.  

Hi Guys, The world’s largest deposit of asphalt is in La Brea, Trinidad.   Estimated to contain 10 million tons, covering roughly 100 acers and some 250 feet deep. Sir Walter Raleigh of England rediscovered it back in 1595 after the local tribes showed it to him.   He found it to be a good material to repair his boats, and then in 1887, an American businessman  Amzi Barber secured a 40 year lease to which he exported the asphalt to US cities which roads were made. Imagine roads in New York, Washington D.C and other US cities and even in from of Buckingham Palace had roads which came from Trinidad. Couple enjoying the Pitch Lake. Source: Destinationtrinidad.com Scientist linked to the European Space Agency has found life forms living there, a microbiological ecosystem which give some insights as to have resilient life forms are and the possibilities of life on other worlds with harsh ecosystems.   There is an onsite museum, which can give you lots of information and a

Hi guys, Now we are aware Trinidad is an island in the Caribbean but there are many small islands surrounding which are treasures by themselves.   Off the north western peninsular there are islands; there are the “5 islands” Caledonia, Craig, ( Craig and Caledonia are joined by a man made  causeway ) Lenagan, Nelson, Pelican and Rock island ( I know you counted 6 but its called 5 islands ).   Additionally there are other larger islands, which has some interesting history and much more appeal to a sun-seeking enthusiast.   Looking across Huevos & Monos Islands with Trinidad in the background. Source CaribbeanBeat.com Carrera was used as a state prison ( yep even criminals get to party in Trinidad ), Rock island is really tiny and covered in trees and has no real bathing beach, if that was your fancy well okay but just so you know.   Accessed only by boat but it’s only a twenty-minute boat ride and the scenery and beaches are simply breathtaking.   The caves of

Hi Guys, I don’t need to tell you just how much of an impact music is on any culture; and here in Trinidad there is much to enjoy when it comes to indigenous music.   Did you know that Steel Pan was invented in Trinidad and was the only musical instrument invented in the 20 th Century?   Made from old 55 gallon oil drums and tunes by natural musical geniuses, steel pan became such a beautiful piece off musical instrument that it is listened to all around the world.   Steel pan Exodus performs at Panorama. Source: Trinidad Guardian Newspaper Calypso another form of music invented in Trinidad back in the mid-19 th century is a splendid form of music and poetry all in one; known to most parts of the world.    Soca music late came as a faster pace party music from calypso and I am sure most of the world has heard of Marshall Montano and Bunji Garlin with their many international hits and Carnival of course.   Now those are music invented from former slaves so they had

People have you ever had a good roti?    Dhal-Pourie Roti with curry channa and alloo with a Red Solo (you cannot beat a Roti and a Red solo). Source: www.yelp.co.uk It is one of the most popular foods here due to its rich taste, variety and surprisingly health benefits.   Made from flour, a type of bread, originally from India but was modify so much since our indentured labors ancestors came that it is not the same roti they brought.   Now there are a variety of roti, first there is the sada roti, which is similar to a tortilla but with some rising agents so it “swell” it is pretty simply and a good replacement for normal bread.   Then there is dhal-pourie where a split pea filling is added and it cook on a taawaa (flat grill) but oil is used when cooking.   Then there is buss-up-shut (Parata) which is the most popular and best tasting to many; this one has is a soft silky texture – it is kneaded with butter (not margarine) and cooked with lots of oil and as the name sug

Hi Guys, I recall from my child hood how the then adults would say how things have changed from their time and how nice and simple things were… well to be honest I could not imagine their childhood being better than mine but to each their own view.   Admittedly, when I look at today’s youths with their no outdoor policy and minimal verbal skills and drone like behavior as they sit behind their smart phone or tablet all day, well I can come to terms with my childhood’s adults.   Who ever thought we would have gotten old or worst yet turned into our parents, aunts, and uncles, eeeewwwwh the though still gives me shudders… Kids playing on the trace.  Source Unknown I recall in the village there would be a Ramayana yagna; this being a religious prayers done by Hindus but in a very large manner, everyone is invited – it’s held at nights and last for an odd number of nights such as 7,9, etcetera.    Don’t worry I am not going to pull a religious sermon on you all; but the