Trini Festivities


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

Another similar festival is Ram Leela which is celebrated with Hindus leading up to Divali.  The night comes alive with a theater mainly made up of kids reenacting the story of their lord Rama as he battle the evil king Ravan who had kidnap his wife mother Sita.  A grand display of colors, dance, Tassa, lots of food and some good acting (considering there is no professional actors involved), it’s a wonderful festival to take part in.  though these being religious festivals, no alcohol are allowed and in the case of Ram Leela no meat either.


Borough day celebration at Pt Fortin. Source: trinidadguardian.com 

Then there is Borough day, which to me is just a mini version of Carnival especially in the borough of Point Fortin, of course its much more than just that.  Here they celebrate the community becoming a borough and the things, which make that community special.  And it’s accompanied by lots of music, live performances, colors, costumes, parades and the likes.  If you are in the area drop in you would not regret it, the hospitality of the warm Trinidad people is truly seen here, and no one is a stranger during these festivities. 





Comments

  1. KikiApril 28, 2018 at 6:07 PM

    I grew up in St. James. It doesnt get any more cosmopolitan than that for Hosay and Divali. All the races come together. I have built many a tajh growing up at different Hosay camps in St. James. The drumming during Hosay....fantastic. Sudesh's descriptions are so true

    ReplyDelete
  2. UnknownApril 30, 2018 at 9:04 AM

    Makes me want to experience Hosay and Borough day. I am always captivated by the reenactments at Ram Leela.

    ReplyDelete
  3. NRApril 30, 2018 at 9:33 PM

    Don't forget to visit the pitch lake as well.

    ReplyDelete
  4. UnknownMay 2, 2018 at 9:23 PM

    I love the ramleela celebration ever since I was a little child especially even more when I took part in it...

    ReplyDelete

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