Pan Yards – nightly rehearsal concerts all over T&T as the bands practice for the big yard, the Queen’s Park Savannah and the Panorama competition.
Calypso Tents – some are fixtures, but from time to time there is a new offering in this area. Tents, as they are fondly called, are musical showcases in which artful lyricists offer commentary on social, political and humorous events in society. In recent times, tents dedicated to the humorous calypso have become quite popular. Make sure that you also attend a “clash” which is when two calypso tents appear at the same venue and do battle against each other much to the delight of the fans.
Mas’ Camps – can be considered the soul of the festival, but that is one opinion. Here the fires burn bright as long as mas’ men, many of them unpaid volunteers, create the magic. Wire bending, cutting, sewing and camaraderie are the order of the day.
Fetes – are the pulse of carnival. The music made for the carnival season is all debuted here and some quickly become favourites. These parties often feature top bands, usually with a featured soloist, with all your friends, great food and a jumping party atmosphere it is easy to see why they are so popular.
Panorama – for the steelband is the zenith of achievement. The country’s best steelbands gather, after grueling eliminations, to compete for the title of Panorama Champions. This competition is the goal of each steelband, and each player wants to play on that night when the steel makes music and the fans roar at their virtuosity.
Dimanche Gras – is the Grand Finale of all the season’s other competitive shows: Calypso Monarch and the King and Queen of Bands are crowned in this competition. It is often quite a production with much dance and song.
J’Ouvert – is officially the start of the actual street parades and gets underway at
4am in Port of Spain. Other places such as Maracas and Paramin also have this traditional festival. Ole mas' bands, picong or satire, mud mas' and burrokeets are signature elements.
Las Lap – ends the whole Carnival experience. Come midnight Carnival Tuesday night, very much like the fabled Cinderella, Carnival ceases. The die-hards party on Ash Wednesday at the beaches of which Maracas Beach on Trinidad’s north coast is a popular destination.
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