Español
  Français

The Culture, Traditions, and Heritage of Trinidad and Tobago

You are here: Countries / Trinidad and Tobago

Very few people outside the islands know that this Caribbean republic has produced two noted writers and Nobel Prize winners in the persons of Sir Vidia Najpaul and Derek Walcott, a feat that helps project the culture of the country in the literary field.

The culture of Trinidad and Tobago reflects to a large extent the influences of many of its early settlers, including Africans, Indians, Amerindians, Chinese, British and French, and to a lesser extent the Spaniards and Portuguese.

The country's early membership in the British Empire has left a major influence on its people and culture, including the dominance of the English language and the popularity of football and cricket games in the field of sports. The French settlers have the most influence on the local culture with the celebration of the Carnival; the year's biggest, held Monday and Tuesday before Lent every year. This celebration, which consists of parties and parades, is highlighted by the playing of music topped by Calypso, which is of African and French influence. Since most of the people are Christians, Christmas comes as the second biggest celebration in the country.

While Calypso music reigns supreme in the Carnival, Christmas also plays Parang, a traditional form of music, along with other Yuletide songs. Pichakaree is also a popular song, which is sung with the use of a mixture of Hindi, English and Bhojpuri words.

In religion, the Roman Catholics belong to the largest religious group, followed by the Hindus, Anglicans, Muslims, and Presbyterians, in that order. There are also fast-growing religious organizations such as the Afro-Caribbean Syncretic, Spiritual Baptists, the Orisha Faith, and the Mormon Church.

With English as its official language, the people of the islands also speak Hindi, French, Spanish and Chinese languages, making them as a multi-language speaking people in the Caribbean area. Many theaters put on plays and numerous musical concerts and celebrations for enjoyment of the people.