All over the Caribbean, Carnival is celebrated on the Monday and Tuesday prior to Ash Wednesday. Leading up to these days, people host parties called "Fetes." These begin after Christmas and go up until the festival days, which are February 24th and 25th. During the festival, people dress up in very colorful costumes that are decorated in feathers and sequins. Those in costumes dance through the streets, like a parade, to the sounds of a steelpan band, a soca band, or a DJ. This is called "playing mas."
Carnival in Trinidad and Tobago. Although I have not experienced Carnival yet, I am excited to share what I learned with you!
Carnival originated during the period of slavery when the slaves were banned from attending their master's fancy balls and parties. Instead, they would throw their own costumed event in their quarters. Once emancipation (granting freedom to slaves) happened, the former slaves publicly hosted their own Carnival celebration that included drums and dances. Since then, Carnival has been celebrated every year in honor of freedom.
