Welcome to the exotic island of Trinidad & Tobago. The two islands are located off the northeast coast of South America, near Venezuela, Trinidad is 1,864sq. miles and Tobago 116 sq. miles with a population of 1,117,000 natives. Together they are known as the Independent Republic of Trinidad and Tobago. Trinidad, the mainland, is the fifth largest island of the West Indies. It is crossed from west to east by three low mountain ranges. The name Trinidad was given by Columbus when he first saw the three mountain peaks from the southeastern coast. Twenty miles northeast of the big island is the mountainous, smaller land of Tobago (originally Tobaco). These islands are north of the equator; so, they do not have the threat of hurricanes as most islands of the Caribbean do. The capital city, Port of Spain, is the largest city on the islands where most of the population resides. The original inhabitants of the island were the Arawak-speaking Indians. Today, the Island is known for its unique multi-ethnic culture. With ancestors from Africa, India, Europe, China, and the Middle East, all people of mixed ancestry make up this republic. This harmonious country is greatly known for the birth of its calypso music and steel bands.

Language
English is the predominant language in this highly literate society, although you may occasionally hear some French, Spanish, Hindu and Chinese spoken.

Religion
Christianity and Hinduism are the main religions.

Tourism
This island is high on tourism its peak time is early in the year around Carnival (February – March).

Food
The National Dish of Trinidad & Tobago is crab & calalloo.

Music
Trinidad and Tobago is the birthplace of calypso and steel pan. . Calypso which came from “Kaiso” is not only a unique form of folk art, but a means of comment on any aspect of life - love and marriage, politics, or the cost of living - and reflects the spirit of the people. The Steel pan was the only musical instrument invented in the 20th century!
The Trinidad and Tobago Bureau of Standards describes the steel pan as “A definite pitch percussion instrument in the idiophone class, traditionally made from a steel drum or steel container. The playing surface is divided into convex sections by channel, groves and or bores. Each convex section is played by striking the pan with sticks to produce musical notes.” This magnificent instrument will enchant you with its sweet rhythmic sounds.

Festival
Nowhere else is the freeness of this spirit and the power of the multiethnic society better demonstrated than in the Carnival; the most famous cultural phenomenon. It is a rainbow to behold, full of traditions and innovations, color and music, always over-the-top, always just a little controversial. The creative essence of the street masquerade with its thousands of costumes, hundreds of calypsos and awe-inspiring steel band performances is as honest a reflection of local character as possible. There are many places that boast of having spectacular Carnival celebrations, from Rio and New Orleans to Notting Hill. But nothing compares to the excitement, the fun, the drama and the veritable art of ‘making mas’ in Trinidad and Tobago. The two days of Carnival in Trinidad are not official public holidays – but they might as well be – almost everyone is out on the streets, dancing, ‘jumping up’, ‘wining down’ and basically having a ball. Although Carnival, in the strictest sense, really comprises the Monday and Tuesday preceding Ash Wednesday, the celebrations begin right after Christmas. Almost as soon as the holy observation of Christmas Day is over, radio stations begin to blast the newest hits of the upcoming season – the season of the flesh. As a matter of fact, this is where the term Carnival actually came from – the Latin Carne Vale or ‘farewell to the flesh’.

There are also two other very important festivals, and their dates vary each year: "Divali" is the beautiful Festival of Lights celebrated by the Hindus around the end of October and honors the Goddess, Lakshmi. Deeyahs, clay receptacles filled with oil and a wick, are placed at the doors. There are prayers and large celebrations. "Eid-ul-Fitr" is a Muslim festival, marking the end of the month of fasting, (Ramadan). Prayers and alms mark this happy occasion. A special feature is the "Sawine" dish, a mixture of vermicelli, milk, sugar, raisins and spices.

Trinidad has all the things you’d expect from a Caribbean island — sun, sea, sand, plus friendly locals, music, parties, and ample opportunities for relaxation in rich natural surroundings. But Trinidad is also a lot more than what you expect. From music to food and from faces to festivals, they are unique for their multi-ethnic culture. With ancestors from Africa to China, speaking dozens of languages and professing dozens of faiths, a local common culture that is vibrant, colorful and tolerant of the eccentric — but still able to hold on to important elements of traditions. So visit the island of Trinidad & Tobago, and experience the life, I assure you may not want to return to your current home.

By Melissa Hunte