The number one reason why Trinidad Carnival is the Mecca of all Carnivals in the Caribbean, is the road.
To be clear, the experience of playing Mas on the road during Trinidad Carnival is simply second to none.
Most carnivals in the Caribbean have an epic and unique Carnival season. Sweet enough to make you wonder whether the security gates you passed through to get here were really heaven’s gates in disguise. One of the most beautiful things about the Caribbean is the way different Caribbean countries share things in common whilst also simultaneously having unique things that sets them apart from their neighbors.
Again, for Trinidad, one of many such things, is the experience of playing mas on the road. For the most part, few other Caribbean countries play mas on the road with so much vibes, emotion and flair. As we like to say in the Caribbean: whine for your life. Those four words embody, how Trinis play ah mas. At the risk of sounding repetitive. Trinidad Carnival is the Mecca of Carnival in the Caribbean because all the whine and bacchanal experienced in the fetes leading up to Carnival will be outmatched by the bacchanal experienced on the road.
Sometimes consumers are promised the world, only to receive the worst in the end. With Trinidad Carnival, every experience is likely to be sweet. With the sweetest and best of desserts, saved for last!!!!
Now, some non Trini Caribbean people like to point out that many of Trinidad’s Mecca credentials stem from Vincentians, Grenadians etc who left their respective islands and contributed to Trinidad’s Mecca status after they emigrated to Trinidad. However, whilst this point is an understandable one, Grenada and St. Vincent’s legacy ultimately must be judged by what Grenadians and Vincentians have achieved in their respective countries. Reason being, if a Caribbean citizen leaves the country they are a citizen of, to live in a different Caribbean country, something was obviously missing (normally). Therefore, if that Caribbean citizen then achieves success or makes a positive contribution to the new Caribbean country – fair exchange, is no robbery.
To get straight to the point. Trinidadian revellers play zero games. Their status as Carnival Mecca of the Caribbean is their most treasured national asset. Therefore when Carnival time comes – everything (including the kitchen sink) (read waistline) will be thrown at whoever they happen to cross paths with.
With many other Caribbean countries. Carnival on the road is hit and miss and can even end up being the most underwhelming part of the season. Therefore, Trinidad Carnival is the undisputed Mecca. Cropover is likely in the number two spot. Although, some would say that that honor belongs to St. Vincent Carnival. As people like to say nowadays we will certainly mess around and find out – then let you know our opinion on it all.
The Second Reason Why Trinidad Carnival Why Trinidad Carnival is The Mecca.
Trinidad Carnival Is Mas Fuh So!!!! There is Sailor Mas, Blue Jab Jab, Mas in Town, Mas Down South, Steelpan, Kaiso, Ole Mas, Mas all over (relatively big) Trinidad and Tobago. Also, there is a whole lot of Jouvert bands. So with Trinidad Carnival, one can surely experience a top 3 Jouvert from the Caribbean guaranteed. (In addition to the best mas on the road). As a matter of fact, as many Trinis will tell you – Jouvert is the one Carnival event from Trinidad Carnival that is unmissable. So Jouvert, along with all the variety available within Trinidad Carnival is probably the second main reason why Trinidad Carnival is the Mecca.
However, none of this is set in stone. Trinidad Carnival obviously has its challenges. Which is why it is possible for other Carnival’s to compete. After all, both Martinique and Antigua Carnival lasts three days. So, whilst quality is the ultimate criteria for judging Carnival. Quantity is relevant too, especially if that quantity is married to quality. As has recently been noted, Jamaica Carnival is on the up and up and they want to occupy nothing less than Carnival’s top spot!!! Where there is a will there is a way and ultimately the main thing stopping other Caribbean countries from replacing Trinidad as the top Carnival in the Caribbean is desire.
If other Caribbean countries commit to Carnival fully. Trinidad can and will get a run for its money. However, non Trini revellers will have to overcome the masquerader in the mirror – if that is ever going to happen.
Until then though, one can play mas with the masters. If you want mas for so, find yourself in Trinbago!!!!
