If you’re not in the middle of it, you’re getting ready for it…or recovering from it! It’s Carnival in Trinidad and Tobago (Feb. 20th, 21st) and in 2012 it’s going to be huge! The celebrating lasts all week with numerous concerts, events, parties, parades, food and fun.
Carnival wouldn’t be the same without the elaborate, colorful costumes that are covered with various sequins, feathers and other sparkly materials.
Carnival costume – Photo courtesy of EarthXplorer
While I was in Trinidad, Jan. 10th – 14th, I had the opportunity to visit one of the many shops that specialize in making these amazing works of art: ISLANDpeople mas. Inside the army of designers work feverishly to get all the costumes completed by the big day.
There are many different designs and themes to see throughout the showroom. Each costume comes in various pieces and the complete set can cost thousands of dollars. A lot of money for something that will be worn only a handful of times and then need to be replaced by the start of carnival week 2013.
Not many places or times when you can wear this walking down the street – Photo courtesy of EarthXplorer
But that’s what carnival is all about, dressing up, having fun and celebrating! It’s said that Trinidad and Tobago’s carnival is the biggest and best in the Caribbean and second in the world behind Brazil’s.
Beautiful bright blue Trinidad Carnival costume – Photo courtesy of EarthXplorer
Back to blue – Photo courtesy of EarthXplorer
Finally a red devil variety -Photo courtesy of EarthXplorer
Thank you EarthXplorer for lighting the Carnival candles and setting the fun and festive mood. To further get into the Trinidad & Tobago mood, check out some of EarthXplorer’s posts from his time on the islands:
Trinidad’s Number one attraction: The Caroni Bird Sanctuary
While you are at it, be sure to follow EarthXplorer on Twitter.
Which outfit would you like to see Traveling Ted wear at Carnival. The gold one goes best with my hat, but I also have blue eyes.
Stay tuned,
TT
The goal of Traveling Ted is to inspire people to outdoor adventure travel and then provide tips on where and how to go. If you liked this post then enter your email in the box to get email notifications for each new entry. Daily travel photos are excluded from your email in order to not flood you with posts. There is no spam and email information will not be shared. Other e-follow options include Facebook (click on the like box to the right) or twitter (click on the pretty bird on the rainbow above).
Way to go, Ted. How exciting! Very few things compare to watching women in bikinis celebrate an event, backed by festival music in an exotic Caribbean setting. Now that’s “original reporting”.
Cheers,
Joel
Joel Siegfired recently posted..San Diego pilot killed hand cranking propeller
Yes, it will be a great place to take photos 🙂
Now I know why you REALLY wanted to go to Carnival! 🙂
Jeremy Branham recently posted..Win a $250 travel voucher on Expedia!
Yes, I admit it Jeremy, I am a cross-dresser 🙂
I think you should go with the bronze ensemble, Ted. Enjoy Trinidad & Tobago! I know I did. LOTS of rum to sip & shores to explore! Cheers, Allie
The Blue one looks marvelous, Ted 🙂
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Ooh-la-la
Thanks for letting me share my T & T experience! You will have an amazing time at Carnival! I can’t wait to see your pics and hear the stories.
All the best!
JD @earthXplorer
JD recently posted..Sunset Sail with America 2.0 – Key West Florida