Note: This is Part 1 of 2. Read Part 2 of my 2024 Trinidad Carnival experience here.
As the plane descended towards Piarco International Airport, my heart raced excitedly. I was returning home to Trinidad for the most anticipated event of the year—Carnival 2024. Having been away for far too long, the prospect of being home for Carnival filled me with joy and anticipation.
Upon landing, I was reminded that the more things change, the more they stay the same. My father was late. He opted to leave home when I landed, again. Though this may be a mild annoyance for some, it warmed my heart. My father is the number one dad in the world, but his toxic trait will never change. Stepping into this familiar feeling, i.e., waiting on the pavement at the airport, felt like a reunion with an old friend. I couldn’t wait to dive headfirst into the festivities that awaited me.
Since I hadn’t been home since 2015 and was on the ground for only seven days, I did not party to the max. I had friends and family to see. Below are reviews of the three events I attended. I think that these Trinidad Carnival events or parties are well worth your time and money.
1. Senior Kings and Queens Semi-Finals, and Junior Kings and Queens Finals
Location: Queen’s Park Savannah
Date: February 7, 2024
Cost: TTD 100
One of the highlights of my Carnival trip was attending the Senior King and Queens Semi-Finals and Junior King and Queens Finals.
Senior Kings and Queens
The Senior King and Queens competition is a prestigious Carnival event. Contestants vie for the titles of King and Queen of Carnival by showcasing elaborate costumes that reflect Trinidadian culture, history, and mythology. The competition is a dazzling display of creativity and artistry, with participants often spending months preparing their costumes to compete for the coveted titles.
Growing up, my family didn’t live in Port of Spain, and my parents did not heavily take part in Carnival festivities, so we typically watched this event live on television. Being there in person for the first time had me in awe. Witnessing the elaborate costumes and intricate designs was nothing short of mesmerizing. Each participant brought their unique interpretation of Carnival themes, embodying the essence of the festival in every stitch and embellishment.
Junior Kings and Queens
In addition to the Senior King and Queens Semi-Finals, I saw the Junior King and Queens Finals that same night. The Junior King and Queens competition mirrors its senior counterpart. However, it focuses on young participants, providing them a platform to immerse themselves in the Carnival experience.
These young masqueraders brought their imaginative costumes to life on stage. This portion of the event was a testament to the vibrant youth culture that thrives within Trinidad’s Carnival. It was inspiring to see the next generation carry forward the rich traditions of their ancestors with pride and passion.
2. Tropical Luau
Location: Chaguaramas
Date: February 8, 2024
Cost: TTD 350
On Carnival Thursday, my friends and I made it to Tropical Luau, a food-inclusive event that celebrates and embodies island life and a carefree spirit. It was my first fete ever, and I was immediately struck by the intimate atmosphere and sense of camaraderie that permeated an event filled with strangers. I had two drinks during this event, so alcohol did not play a factor in my experience. And to be honest, it was not a need if you know what I mean… I believe my Instagram caption stated, “Tropical Luau was vibes on vibes on vibes”—an understatement.
Compared to other Carnival parties, Tropical Luau can be considered small, but to me, it only added to the incredible vibe. The entire time, I felt like I was in front of a crowd at a major concert, without the venue feeling overcrowded. Though my friends and I reached with only approximately three hours left, we were still able to have doubles and a full meal. We were also fortunate to catch performances by Mical Teja, Bunji Garlin, College Boy Jesse, and Yung Bredda. I didn’t catch the DJs’ names, but their sets were outstanding – 20/10 stars.
3. Caesar’s Army A.M. Bush
Location: Wallerfield
Date: February 10, 2024
Cost: USD 185
Let’s be for real for a second: I am not doing J’ouvert on Carnival Monday morning, then jumping on the road all day for two days. A great alternative is Caesar’s Army A.M. Bush, an all-inclusive event, which typically occurs on Carnival Saturday.
Becoming a Roman was one of my favorite parts of my Carnival experience. To be frank, any images or videos you see online will not prepare you for the bliss you will experience. A.M. Bush was perfect. Dancing and frolicking around the race track amidst a whirlwind of paint, powder, and laughter epitomized the quintessence of Carnival revelry.
As the sun rose, I found myself amidst a sea of ecstatic party-goers, dancing to the pulsating rhythms of soca music. It was a moment of pure euphoria. The culinary offerings were diverse, and the libations flowed freely. Finally, the DJs’ and hype men’s performances were masterful.
**I would also like to add that picking up my J’ouvert package for A.M. Bush took me less than 10 minutes, adding to the convenience and smoothness of the experience.
Conclusion
Reflecting on the exhilarating experiences of Trinidad Carnival 2024, I am grateful for the opportunity to reconnect with my roots, celebrate my culture, and create memories that will last a lifetime. I hope my review of these Trinidad Carnival events or parties is helpful. Stay tuned for the next installment of my Carnival journey, where I will recount my experience on the road and share more unforgettable moments from this extraordinary celebration.
To learn more about Trinidad, visit this link. To learn more about the author, click here.
