tidings
Good luck George
THA Tourism and Culture Secretary Tashia Burris said the island should be allowed to make its mark on Tobago’s inaugural carnival, scheduled for October 28-30.
Under the theme Ritual, Revelry, Release, a preliminary calendar of events was released Wednesday at a media launch at the Shaw Park Cultural Complex. The launch featured traditional carnival characters, models in full carnival costume, a Tobago rhythm section and a theatrical presentation by the Tobago Performing Arts Company (TPAC).
Burris, in her speech, said the Tobago Carnival is a natural progression from the annual Tobago Heritage Festival.
She said that when you look at the history that has been built this year, it talks about the beautiful woman of heritage, and she becomes more beautiful – pregnant with potential.
“Do we know what that baby looks like – that baby is Carnival 2022, that baby is being born from October 28 to October 30, 2022. As you can see by what TPAC has been able to show you today – rituals, parties , liberation – this is the epitome of what Tobago brings to that carnival conversation.”
She said she took note of all the conversations in the space – “some positive, some not so much, but the reality is this: this conversation has become bigger than just a carnival, this has moved into a conversation about autonomy.” .
She said the conversation has turned to whether or not Tobago should ask permission to be as beautiful as it is and whether the island is really ready to stand alone.
“I would tell you this – yes, we are. Yes, we are ready to stand on our own because as you can see, with the talent you have witnessed, Tobago is ready to make its mark on the rest of the world when it comes to carnivals. We’ve heard people talking about Trini-style carnivals all over the world and that’s fine, that’s a model that works for people, but you know what – give Tobago the opportunity to create its own style.”
She added: “Give Tobago the opportunity to present to the world a Bago style carnival, one where we marry the contemporary and the traditional; a carnival where we allow our creators to turn what is considered mass on its head ; carnival that allows our cultural groups to showcase their talents on the streets of Scarborough in our parade of bands.
“Allow us the opportunity to raise this baby, hold his hand and help him walk.”
Tobago Carnival Committee chairman Meisha Trim said to understand the island’s history is to understand why.
“It’s time to focus, so to speak, to assert our magnetism in the form of a unique carnival expression. It is truly our time to focus and declare our identifiable Tobago stamp on the global calendar of festival events.”
She said the October carnival celebrations would reveal the hidden treasures of the cultural soul and reshape the carnival experience.
“A new experience and a unique tourist product would be born. I hope our efforts will establish why Carnival in Tobago is a must experience; building the numbers of returning visitors and providing an unforgettable experience. The Tobago Carnival should echo with hope for future engagements.”
Over 30 private events are also listed from September 25th to October 30th.
Additionally, the event logo was launched as well as the website, which has since gone live at www.welcometobago.com.
The calendar includes five major events hosted by the Tobago House of Assembly: Pan in the Gayelle (October 28), J’Ouvert, Night Mas, Emerge Carnival Masquerade Gala (October 29), culminating in the Parade of Bands (October 30).
There are also a number of private events.
Preliminary calendar of Tobago Carnival events
September 25 – Wet at Roxborough
October 1 – Dream at the Shaw Park Cultural Complex
October 22 – Hiding at Argyle Falls
October 23 – Entertainment for the harbor master
October 26 – Waddap Wednesday at Canoe Bay
October 27 – Pink Brunch (venue to be announced)
October 28 – Pan in Gayelle
October 28 – Float and bikini at Harbor Master
October 28 – Day (venue to be announced)
October 28 – Fine on board the Embassy.
October 29 – J’Ouvert
October 29 – Night mass
October 29 – Carnival Masquerade Gala
October 29 – Crown Point Mud Festival
October 29 – TUCO Tobago Lime at Tropical Hotel
October 29 – Soiree (venue to be announced)
October 30 – Parade of Bands