CARNIVAL IN TRINIDAD AND TOBAGO AND NOTTING HILL CARNIVAL

By Alex Vila, Celso Simón and Victor Pulido,

Trinidad and Tobago is a country in the South Caribbean Sea, close to the east coast of Venezuela, and it consists of two islands: Trinidad and Tobago. The capital, in Trinidad, is Port of Spain.

Trinidad and Tobago celebrates the most important carnival of the Caribbean and it is one of the most beautiful carnivals in the world, often compared to the Carnival of Rio. The Carnival of Trinidad and Tobago is a great example of how people with different culture and customs can be united, because here the beliefs and traditions of many different cultures have come together to celebrate life.

Trinidad and Tobago was colonized by Spain and England at different times of its history, but by 1797, under British rule, thousands of French settlers came to live in Trinidad bringing with them their customs, culture and their African slaves, who also brought with them their own culture and traditions. It is since then that Carnival has been celebrated. Although the big party begins two days before Ash Wednesday, the preparations begin with New Year's day. There are musical competitions in which drums, claves and steelpans are the main instruments, and there are spectacular parades with the election of the Calypso Monarch and the King and Queen of the Bands.

The Notting Hill Carnival, in west London. This carnival was introduced years ago by Caribbean inmigrants, most of them from Trinidad and Tobago. It takes place during the last weekend of August and it is very famous for the colourful costumes and the steel band music played.