The Tobago Carnival 2024 is a celebration filled with music, dance, and cultural expression, bringing life to the island. The Carnival begins on February 1st with a tribute to Calder Hall Pioneers and ends with a big Night Mas on October 27th. From enjoying and grooving at the sounds of Steelpan to Dutty J’ouvert and observing the Parade of Bands, the carnival promises to feel the best events that bring happiness to the island.
Carnival is not a festival but is connected to the deeper grounds of history and culture. However, as these traditions spread worldwide, they found new life in the Caribbean. Influenced by African and indigenous cultures due to colonization and the slave trade, Carnival in the Caribbean turned out to be the best collection of music, dance, and masquerade.
From Junior Calypso Monarch on Thursday, October 10th, at 10 am, where young rising stars are put center stage to display their lyrical prowess, to the best and most brilliant of them all getting on stage in the TUCO Tobago Calypso Monarch on Saturday, October 19th, at 7 pm, the list goes on and on of things that will keep the island buzzing in Tobago Carnival 2024.
On Wednesday, October 23rd, at 7 pm, Soca Titans present the top Soca Stars performing with high energy. Army Fete Roxglo Edition, Thursday, October 24th, at 8 pm, is military-inspired. Moreover, on Friday, October 25th, at 6 pm, bring out those masquerade costumes with the Monarchs of Mas in their full, beautiful glory.
The Tobago Dutty J’ouvert is on Saturday, October 26th, from 4 am to 10 am, when people take to the streets covered in paint and powder. Rhythm, Steel, and Powder on Saturday at 5 pm follows the island’s steelpan music.
Night Mas, a glowing nighttime parade, lights up the streets on Saturday at 9 pm. Finally, on Sunday, October 27th, the Parade of Bands Grand Finale comes from 10 am to midnight with colorful costumes, music, and the best of Tobago’s Carnival spirit.
Dexter Sandy, Interim Chairman of the Tobago October Carnival Association, said, “This year’s event would attract more participants from within and outside the country. As the island is all set for its third annual carnival, anticipation runs high.”
He further said, ” Definitely, we are seeing an increase in interest across most bands. We see where band registration has increased across J’Ouvert, Night Mas, and the Parade of Bands. So we expect this carnival to have a larger turnout of domestic and international participants.” Tobago Carnival 2024 promises to be the best, with more bands, music, and excitement.