Easter holidays in Central Trinidad

March 29, 2023

Easter holidays in Central Trinidad involve a vibrant blend of religious observance and cherished seasonal traditions that define the cultural landscape of the region. This period is marked by the distinct aroma of scorched sugar cane fields and the sight of handcrafted kites competing for dominance in the sky.

While adults often engage in strict Lenten fasting, the youth participate in a sequence of activities ranging from cricket matches to the preparation of pommecythere chow. Good Friday serves as a focal point for family gatherings, centered around specific cinematic rituals and a traditional menu featuring provisions and hot cross buns.

The article captures the nostalgic essence of these celebrations, highlighting the unique folk customs and community bonds found within the heart of the island.

Key Takeaways

Easter in Central Trinidad uniquely blends rigorous religious fasting with lively community outdoor activities.
Traditional kite flying features specific designs like the ferocious madbull and the cheeky chong.
Good Friday rituals involve viewing religious epics and consuming a meal of fish and provisions.
Local folk traditions include attempting to predict the future using an egg yolk in water.
The season is defined by the sensory experience of sugar cane harvests and family reunions.

Reliving the magic of Easter holidays in Central Trinidad

By Kerry Mc Donald. The rustic smell of sugar cane permeated the air as my cousins and I ran through the expanse of canefields located at the back of my secluded home. These moments were not a typical Saturday or Sunday evening of fun, but signified the start of Easter holidays. Four joints of sugar cane were held tightly in my cousin Candice’s hand. As she hurriedly sucked the thick sugar cane stalk, the juice ran freely from her mouth down to her plumped cheeks.

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My other cousins preferred to outshine each other with their skills as they steered their ferocious “madbull” and unwavering cheeky chong kites through the naked sky.

The opportunity to enjoy quality time with some of my cousins that I only spent a short period (Easter holidays) with each year was of great significance.

I know my cousins, especially Martin and Freddy, felt the same way as the experience of the Easter holidays in Central Trinidad was always a memorable one.

My relatives, who were devoted Christians, adhered to their forty days of fast so from sun up to sun down, partake of meat, secular music and even television shows, which I thought to be a bit extreme (television shows) were prohibited.

Luckily, we were excluded from their daily fast. My aunt Yvonne thought that as children we did not have the fortitude for this activity so we were excluded – thank God!

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The Easter holidays movie

While fasting was their ritual, kite flying, cricket, pommecythere chow and hide and go seek were our ritual for four days. On the fifth day, Good Friday, a very highly anticipated day, every single person with eyes glued to the television watched the riveted movie, “The Ten Commandments”.

Chow time — *Photo: Chow by Joanna Hayde.*

To complement our movie, a delicious lunch of provisions, baked fish, pigeon peas and fresh salad were served. Added to that meal were tasty hot cross buns and a glass of orange juice and we had the perfect meal.

Does anyone know about adding the yolk of an egg to a clear glass of water on Good Friday at 12.00 p.m. on a stable object in the sun? Once left for approximately ten minutes, the yolk forms a shape.

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My sister once tried it and the egg formed a ship. Probably my sister may purchase a ship, or may receive the opportunity to go on an exciting cruise, who knows.

Good Friday, checked. Glorious Saturday, checked. Palm Sunday was off to church for us. I really did not want the day to go by quickly as Sunday was the last day for my cousins before their return to their respective homes.

While at church, I relived the wonderful memories we had together and wondered what the following year had in store for an always cheerful Easter vacation in Central Trinidad.

April 2014 – Issue 9 www.sweettntmagazine.com

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