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October Carnival

ByTobago Guide

Tobago Carnival is an annual festival held on the island of Tobago in the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago. The carnival takes place in the weeks leading up to Ash Wednesday, which falls in February or March each year.

The Tobago Carnival is a vibrant celebration of music, dance, and culture, with a focus on the island’s unique traditions and heritage. The festival features colorful costumes, lively music, and energetic dance performances, with participants taking to the streets to dance and celebrate.

The Tobago Carnival is a smaller and more intimate version of the larger Trinidad Carnival, which takes place on the neighboring island of Trinidad. However, the Tobago Carnival still attracts a large number of visitors and locals each year, with events including calypso competitions, steelpan performances, and a grand parade on Carnival Tuesday.

One of the highlights of the Tobago Carnival is the traditional J’Ouvert celebration, which takes place in the early hours of Carnival Monday. During J’Ouvert, participants cover themselves in mud, paint, and powder as they dance through the streets to the beat of steel drums and soca music.

The Tobago Carnival is a lively and colorful celebration of Tobago’s culture and heritage, and is a must-see event for anyone visiting the island during the Carnival season.

Tobago Guide

Useful Information from locals, to help you have the best experience while on the island of Tobago.

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  • Baptist Liberation Day

    Spiritual Baptist Shouter Liberation Day is a public holiday in Trinidad and Tobago, celebrated annually on March 30th. It commemorates the repeal of the 1917 Ordinance that prohibited the practice of the Spiritual Baptist faith.

    The Spiritual Baptist faith is a blend of African, Christian, and indigenous spiritual beliefs and practices. Despite being banned for decades, the faith remained strong and resilient, with its followers often facing persecution and discrimination.

    In 1951, the ordinance was repealed, and followers of the faith were finally able to worship freely. Today, Spiritual Baptists celebrate their liberation and the preservation of their faith with singing, dancing, and worshiping.

    The public holiday is recognized by the government of Trinidad and Tobago as a national day of observance.

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    Pulling Seine

    “Pulling seine” is a traditional fishing method used in Tobago and other parts of the Caribbean. The process involves a large net, called a seine, which is pulled through the water by a group of fishermen.

    To pull seine in Tobago, a group of fishermen typically launch a small boat or canoe from the beach and paddle out into the water. Once they have reached a suitable spot, they throw the net into the water and begin to pull it back towards the shore. As the net is pulled, it forms a large circle around schools of fish, which are trapped inside the net.

    Once the net has been pulled to the shore, the fishermen gather around and begin to haul in the catch. This can be a physically demanding process, as the net can be quite heavy and the catch can be quite large.

    Pulling seine is a traditional fishing method that has been used in Tobago for many years. While it is still practiced today, it is becoming less common as commercial fishing methods become more popular. However, some fishermen continue to use this method as a way to catch fish for their families and communities.

  • Fishing in Tobago

    Fishing is an important activity in Tobago, both for commercial and recreational purposes. Tobago’s waters are home to a diverse array of fish species, including marlin, sailfish, tuna, and barracuda, making it a popular destination for sport fishing enthusiasts.

    There are several fishing villages along the coast of Tobago where visitors can experience the local fishing culture and sample fresh seafood. Some of the most popular fishing villages include Charlotteville, Castara, and Speyside.

    There are also numerous fishing charters and tours available for visitors who want to try their hand at catching their own fish. These tours typically provide all necessary equipment and offer expert guidance on fishing techniques and safety.

    It is important to note that sustainable fishing practices are encouraged in Tobago to ensure the long-term viability of the island’s fish populations. Some local organizations, such as the Tobago Game Fishing Association, promote catch-and-release practices and advocate for responsible fishing practices.

    Overall, fishing in Tobago is a popular and rewarding activity for visitors, but it is important to respect local regulations and engage in sustainable practices to preserve the island’s marine ecosystem.

    Spear fishing (shooting fish) is another great way to get some decent size ones. Tobago normally has clean, clear, warm waters and if you’re an experience diver there’s an abundance of hunting grounds to choose from.  As with every other technique, the catch would vary depending on tide and seasonal changes along with the diver’s skills and experiences.

    • Snappers, barracuda, parrot-chub, groupers, sharks, grunts, horse-eye jack, tarpons and catfish are some of the species hunted.

    Pulling Seine (shooting seine) is a more traditional way of fishing, with mostly the older generations and some rural villages still doing it. The concept is simple and can be very rewarding but it is a tedious and slow process. The catch is simular to those caught by sand and rock fishing with a combination of;

    • round-robin, balaho, sprat, herine, sardine, flaunders, squids, bonito, jacks, and needlefish.

    The seine may also catch some unwanted/uneaten species such as:

    • sea-porcupine, bat-fish, jellyfish, starfish and sprats.

    “Shooting seine” is normally done early in the morning from around 6am but there are some instances where it is done at various times during the day.

    • Grafton, Turtle beach, Castara and Charlotteville

    are some of the places where you can see seine-fishing and participate.

  • Forts

    Tobago has a rich history, and as a result, there are several forts located on the island that were built to defend against colonial powers. Some of the most notable forts in Tobago include:

    1. Fort King George: Built in the 18th century, Fort King George is the largest and most well-preserved fort in Tobago. It offers spectacular views of the island and the Caribbean Sea, and it now houses the Tobago Museum and the National Archives.
    2. Fort Bennett: Located on a cliff overlooking the Caribbean Sea, Fort Bennett was built in the 17th century by the Dutch to defend against attacks from the French. It is now a popular spot for visitors to take in the breathtaking views of the sea and the surrounding coastline.
    3. Fort James: Built in the early 18th century, Fort James was constructed by the British to defend against attacks by the French. Today, it is a popular spot for hiking and bird watching, as well as for taking in the scenic views of the coastline.
    4. Fort Granby: Located on a hill overlooking Great Courland Bay, Fort Granby was built in the 18th century by the French to defend against the British. It offers stunning views of the bay and the surrounding countryside.
    5. Fort Milford: Built in the late 18th century by the British, Fort Milford is located on a hill overlooking Scarborough and the Atlantic Ocean. Today, it is a popular spot for visitors to take in the panoramic views of the town and the sea.

    Overall, Tobago’s forts offer a glimpse into the island’s rich history and provide visitors with stunning views of the coastline and surrounding countryside. They are well worth a visit for anyone interested in history or looking for a unique perspective on the island.

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    Little Tobago

    Little Tobago is a small island located off the northeast coast of Tobago, which is itself an island in the southern Caribbean Sea and part of the nation of Trinidad and Tobago. Little Tobago is also known as Bird of Paradise Island, due to its abundance of exotic birds, including the red-billed tropicbird, the white-tailed sabrewing hummingbird, and the magnificent frigatebird.

    The island is home to a bird sanctuary and nature reserve, and is a popular destination for birdwatchers and eco-tourists. It is accessible by boat from the village of Speyside on Tobago’s main island.

    The island is popular for

    • Naturalists
    • Bird-watching
    • Angel reef
    • Scuba diving
    • Glass-bottom boat tours

    Angel reef is also a popular site around the island for divers and glass-bottom boat tours.

    The largest brain coral in the caribbean is also located on the reef system.

    The island is an important breeding site for seabirds such as red-billed tropicalbird, bridled terns and many more.

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