Falling in Love with Trinidad Carnival
Who would have thought a tipsy proclamation at a party in 2025 would lead me to experience the greatest show on earth?!
Let me take you guys back to June 2025, Elevate Day Dream to be exact. My friend was showing me how to do the infamous fan tricks while “Pardy” by Machel Montano blasted through the speakers. We all started belting out the lyrics from the depths of our souls, then all of a sudden my friend screamed: “We do deserve a pardy…let’s go to Trinidad Carnival!”
We all shouted “yeahhh!” and all I remember thinking was: I don’t know where the money’s gonna come from, I don’t know if we were being serious, but I’m down for the vibes.
So, after bombings in Venezuela, some hesitancy, money finding itself in my account, and an unpredictable planner like Christian Kendahl Rock, Trinidad 2026 was a go!
The Action Plan
I’ll start by saying there are so many ways to experience carnival based on the parties you attend, the carnival band you choose, and of course, the people you travel with.
My trip was guided by a cultural connoisseur and included a “down for anything” bestie whose only request was mandatory naps. Therefore, our itinerary was balanced with all-inclusive parties, J’ouvert, Carnival Monday and Tuesday, cultural events, and breathing room to sleep.
Contrary to what Bunji said, as soon as the plane touched down, we were NOT jabbin’.
We arrived in Trinidad the Thursday night before carnival with every intention of kicking off our trip by seeing the reenactment of the Canboulay Riots. I personally wanted to go because it’s a beautiful visual representation of the story of Trinidad Carnival. But after a whole debacle with our rental car and the wave of exhaustion hitting all of us, we had to leave it out. Therefore, everything truly began with Free Bird, an all-inclusive breakfast party held on Carnival Friday.
This was the party’s second year, and it was a 10/10 experience! The food was amazing, the photo ops were unique, like a literal bed of flowers in the middle of the party, and there was more than enough space to free up and dance the morning away. Plus, the live performances by Machel Montano, V’ghn, and Skinny Fabulous were a chef’s kiss! Everyone usually goes to Sun Nation on Friday, but Free Bird should be on your list if you’re going to Carnival in 2027.
Friday night was spent at Hard Fete, which is Bunji Garlin and Fay-Ann Lyons’ party. It was one of those short-pants, sneakers, flag-in-your-hand type of vibes. Every time I think back on that night, memories of one of the most electrifying atmospheres flood my brain. I just love to see people partying with no care in the world, jumping up and down, and enjoying the sweetest music in the world!
Which brings me to Soca Brainwash, the most anticipated event on my list. I’m usually the type of partier who wants to dance the whole night away, but you cannot do that if you want to enjoy everything that Soca Brainwash has to offer.
Firstly, the decor was absolutely breathtaking, as this year’s theme was “The Rose”. Your first step into the party was on a pictorial representation of a field of roses. As you made your way around the venue, there were oversized roses in a range of colours and different figurines scattered around the field. We were given rose umbrellas, uniquely shaped rose cups (teehee), and the main stage was exquisitely adorned in the world of roses. Yes, I know, I said the word rose a billion times just now, but there were a lot of roses.
Anyway, it was an all-inclusive event, so the food was never-ending. I ate curry duck and buss up shot, ribs, churros, ice cream, KFC, sushi, and so much more that I can’t remember it all. For someone with stomach problems, I was just happy my tummy allowed me to enjoy the food that day.
Additionally, we got a surprise performance from Machel Montano, which is unheard of because Soca Brainwash is known for just being a DJ-only fete. However, Machel was on a campaign to win that 2026 road march title, and it was at this point that “Encore” finally grew on me, and I knew he was going to win it all.
Core Memories
Now, there’s always a story on every trip that’s only funny after the dust settles, and here's my entry.
After Brainwash, we went home, showered, and off to Panorama to enjoy the steel pan competition. However, while trying to find parking, let’s just say the car ended up in a drain… and we missed most of Panorama. On the bright side, the car was saved with no scratches, and we at least got to see the winning performance.
After all that bacchanal, Sunday was spent sleeping, so I had all the energy to survive Jouvert into Carnival Monday, then Carnival Tuesday.
I have to admit that although J’ouvert with J’ouvert Jumbeez was a lot of fun and I thoroughly enjoyed myself, I will not be doing it again.
It became a little too chaotic for me toward the end. Nonetheless, the mad rush from J’ouvert to get ready for Carnival Monday will forever be a core memory. When we got home, the water pressure was very low, so we all practically had to do “sink baths” outside. It was a group effort to get the paint off everyone so we could look our best for the road.
Nothing Sweeter Than This
I don’t want to sound dramatic, but the euphoria that flowed from my toes to my soul to my face was indescribable. There is something so special about playing mas. I played with The Lost Tribe, and they made me feel so at home. The atmosphere was warm, friendly, and filled with so much passion and vibes. I might get my passport revoked for saying this, but Carnival Monday may now be my favourite Monday 🥲
I just love the simplicity of Monday wear and jamming behind a music truck for hours. Plus, I finally understand how Trinis survive two days of Carnival. There’s a lot of chipping which helps to save some energy, unlike us Bajans ( Me) who love to wukkup and get on bad from start to finish.
But what truly makes it all special is the stage on Carnival Tuesday!
Waiting on the Stage
My entire life I have heard Machel Montano, Kes, Bunji Garlin, and Iwer George sing about the Savannah Stage, and now I finally understand what’s so magical about this stage.
Technically speaking, it is a decorated elevated platform that masqueraders run across when it’s their band’s turn to be judges on a variety of attributes. As you cross, select songs will play, and you basically dance like it’s your last day on earth.
However, Rhe defines it as the epitome of joy.
There’s an unspoken anticipation that bubbles through every fibre of your being as you wait behind the human security chain to cross that stage. When they break away their hands, and you charge forward, it feels like you’re experiencing a new definition of freedom with soca at the center of it all.
I think Voice and Trini Baby’s song “Sweet Music” describes it beautifully, so listen to it when you’re finished reading this paragraph.
A Deep Love for soca
Now that we’re on to music, I can’t talk about carnival without sharing my favourite songs for the season. Yes, some jab will be on this list… “No argument that done now!”
If you don’t get the reference, go and listen to “Bury All” by Lil Kerry. I’ll expose myself and let y’all know, I was singing “Perry On” all season instead of Burry All. Don’t question it, just sigh and read my list.
Here were my top 10 songs for Trinidad Carnival
Doux Doux Darlin - Christo & Advokit
Cyah Behave - Voice
Respectfully Yours - Full Blown
Still a Road Man - Bunji Garlin
Bury All - Lil Kerry
Inch by Inch - Yung Bredda
Rock So - Patrice Roberts
Pieces – Nadia Batson
Payroll – Muddy
Yeezy Bro - Bunji Garlin
What You Need to Know Before You Go
Though my opinion on songs is lovely, I know I can’t leave you without some practical advice.
Here are my quick tips if you’re planning to attend Trinidad Carnival.
Budget at least USD $5000 minimum because Carnival is expensive. When you factor in flights, parties, accommodation, transportation, costumes, food, and “vex money,” that number can easily increase.
Book your flight and accommodation as early as possible. I would recommend no later than the end of September because the prices do get a bit crazy. Mr. Rock, our trip planner, booked his flight three days before we left…you are not him, he is the luckiest person I know. Book early!
Accommodation is a headache to find. If you choose to stay at an Airbnb, check the address carefully to ensure it’s in or near central Port of Spain. We were lucky enough to stay at a friend’s house very close to the Savannah, which was a perfect location. Shout out to Immanuel and Sammy!
If you can, I think it’s very convenient to rent a car. We rented from Sixt, but the service wasn’t the best, so maybe try Sav-A-Lot Rent A Car Ltd or Alamo Rent A Car. All are available at the airport.
The sun is different in Trinidad. It doesn’t matter if you’re Caucasian or dark chocolate; wear your sunscreen. Also, be mindful that you may feel the heat from the concrete seeping through your shoes on carnival Monday and Tuesday.
For Monday wear, I bought mine from Kaiso Karnival, which fit beautifully, though the panty portion was a little big. I also bought a Mrch thigh bag for the road, but those things never stay on my leg, so it quickly turned into a cute handbag.
Port of Spain is quite dusty, so if you’re allergic to dust like me, please travel with your allergy medication. I was choking every day and lost my voice on the second day of the trip. While you’re at it, pack your electrolytes, pain meds, muscle rubs, cold and sinus, vitamin C…everything. Trinidad Carnival is not a sprint; it’s a marathon.
Exploring Sweet T& T
If you have time and a local guide, I would highly recommend exploring Trinidad outside of Carnival.
I had the chance to see more of the country and reconnect with a university friend, I haven’t seen in about 8 years. He took me to the famous Lady Young Lookout, I visited the Temple in the Sea at Waterloo, Carapichaima, and we ventured all the way to San Fernando to see the last train. But the highlight was visiting Debe, a town in South Trinidad, where I ate my first-ever Saheena. It’s a spinach fritter filled with channa, cucumber, chutneys, and pepper sauce. It has a very similar filling to doubles but somehow tastes even better. Honestly, everything I ate in Trinidad was immaculate, from fete food to Church’s chicken to corner shop rice and stew.
An Experience like No Other
It’s funny because about two weeks before leaving for carnival, I almost canceled my trip. I was getting nervous about the geopolitical tension, and to be honest, we hadn’t even purchased event tickets yet. But I’m glad I didn’t let my anxiety take over, because I would have missed out on one of the most memorable experiences of my life.
Carnival now has a special place in my heart, and I hope everyone in this world can experience a type of joy like that.
You watch the video recap here.
If you have any questions to help you plan for 2027, you can dm me @thebesrhewrite on IG or email me at rhe-ann@thebestrhewrite.com