Tag Archives: cultural heritage

Good Friday myths: Superstitions and beliefs in Trinidad and Tobago

Good Friday myths, folklore and beliefs across Trinidad and Tobago

Good Friday in Trinidad and Tobago blends solemn Christian observance with a rich array of local superstitions, reflecting centuries of cultural fusion. These beliefs, passed down through generations, connect everyday actions to the sacred significance of Christ’s crucifixion. Common myths include avoiding the sea to prevent transforming into a fish, …

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Carnival 2026 is coming: Why Trinidad and Tobago’s greatest festival matters more than ever

Carnival 2026 is coming. The intersection of art and fashion in Carnival costume design. A masquerader’s guide to buying the best Carnival costumes.

Carnival 2026 is coming, and with it the promise of a cultural celebration that resonates far beyond the twin islands of Trinidad and Tobago. Each year performers, musicians, revellers and tourists prepare to converge on Port-of-Spain and surrounding towns for an event that blends tradition, innovation and unbridled joy. This …

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Rayyan Arkan Dhika: 11-year-old ‘Reaper’ becomes Indonesia’s tourism ambassador through viral Pacu Jalur boat race videos

Meet ‘The Reaper’: Indonesian boy goes viral with Pacu Jalur race videos.

The story of Rayyan Arkan Dhika: Indonesia’s 11-year-old cultural icon and aura farmer Rayyan Arkan Dhika, affectionately known across social media as “The Reaper”, has captured the imagination of millions worldwide. At only 11 years old, this young boy from Indonesia has emerged as a national and international sensation through …

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The history and significance of Shouter Baptist Liberation Day in Trinidad and Tobago

Shouter Baptist Liberation Day: Honouring a legacy of resistance and faith.

Spiritual Shouter Baptist Liberation Day is a public holiday in Trinidad and Tobago celebrated annually on 30 March to commemorate the repeal of the 1917 Shouter Prohibition Ordinance. This historic reversal in 1951 ended 34 years of state-sanctioned persecution against a faith that uniquely synthesises African spiritual traditions with Protestant …

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Day 15 of Ramadan: The history of Ramadan lanterns (Fanoos) – a symbol of light and hope

Fanoos: The timeless tradition of Ramadan lanterns and their cultural significance.

The Fanoos lantern is a primary symbol of Ramadan representing divine guidance, hope, and the spiritual light that illuminates the path for believers. Emerging during the Fatimid Caliphate in 10th-century Egypt, these lanterns transitioned from practical nighttime lighting to intricate decorative art forms. Modern celebrations across the Islamic world incorporate …

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Exploring the history of the Midnight Robber

The Midnight Robber and the power of words in Trinidadian Carnival.

The Midnight Robber is a foundational archetype of Trinidadian Carnival folklore defined by bombastic oratory, resistance-themed narratives and a visually striking costume rooted in West African and frontier mythologies. This historical exploration details the evolution of the character from the early 20th century to its modern status as a literary …

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The role of the calypsonian: Storytelling in Trinidad Carnival

The role of the calypsonian: The storytellers of Trinidad Carnival.

The role of the calypsonian in storytelling during Trinidad Carnival is a fundamental element of the Caribbean cultural landscape, serving as a primary medium for historical preservation and social commentary. This article examines how practitioners of this art form function as modern-day griots, capturing the nuances of societal evolution through …

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Carnival costume design: The artists behind the stunning creations

Carnival 2026 is coming. The intersection of art and fashion in Carnival costume design. A masquerader’s guide to buying the best Carnival costumes.

Carnival—a celebration of colour, culture, and creativity—is incomplete without its breathtaking costumes. These vibrant works of art not only captivate audiences but also tell a story, weaving the essence of heritage, imagination, and craftsmanship into every bead and feather. At the heart of this spectacle are the costume designers, the …

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