Trinidad Culture Exposed

Trinidad and Tobago culture is possibly one of the most diverse and unique cultures in the Caribbean. The Trinidad culture is heavily dominated by native Africans and native Indians. The Trinidad and Tobago culture is so diverse that it plays out into almost every aspect of Trinidad everyday life, in the Trinidad and Tobago political structure, in the Trinidad and Tobago economy.

Made one of the Caribbean’s wealthiest islands by its oil deposits, Trinidad was made one of its most cosmopolitan and vibrant by its people. Roughly 1.3 million in all, the population is incredibly diverse, with Africans, Indians, Americans, Europeans, and Asians all walking the streets of its bustling capital, Port-of-Spain, and adding their own traditions and flavors to the cultural mélange. It bears the marks of a colonial past; a possession of Spain and England and settled extensively by the French as well, Trinidad has a distinctly European flair that complement its tropical pulse.

Still, there are some things that seem to bring the whole island together. The annual Trinidad carnival, which is one of the world’s largest Pre-Lenten celebrations, has been transformed from a religious event into one that is embraced by Trinidadians regardless of faith. The faster pace of life in the Trinidad capital, which is loaded with Trinidad shops, clubs and Trinidad restaurants is set off by the brilliant beaches of the coast and pastoral charm of Trinidad’s interior. Trinidad and Tobago is famous for its pre-Lenten Trinidad carnival. It is also the birthplace of calypso music and the steel pan, which is widely claimed to be the only acoustic musical instrument invented during the 20th century. The diverse cultural and religious background allows for many festivities and ceremonies throughout the year. Other indigenous art forms include soca (a derivate of calypso), chutney, and pichakaree and the famous Limbo dance.

The artistic scene is vibrant. Trinidad and Tobago claims two Nobel Prize-winning cultural authors, V. S. Naipaul and St. Lucian-born Derek Walcott. Mas' designer Peter Minshall is renowned not only for his Trinidad carnival costumes, but also for his role in opening ceremonies. The cuisine of Trinidad and Tobago draws upon the varied origins of its people. Three influences predominate – Trinidad Creole, Trinidad Indian and Trinidad Chinese cuisine. Trinidad Creole food commonly includes callaloo, macaroni pie and red beans. Trinidad Indian food is based on curries. Although the Trinidad Chinese element in the population is small, Chinese food is cooked in most homes, and is served in almost all  Trinidad restaurants.

The largest religious groups in Trinidad and Tobago are the Trinidad Roman Catholics and Trinidad Hindus; the Anglicans, Muslims, Presbyterians, Trinidad Methodist are among the smaller faiths. Two Afro-Caribbean syncretism faiths, the Shouter or Spiritual Baptists and the Orisha faith are among the fastest growing Trinidad religious groups, as are a host of American-style Trinidad evangelical and fundamentalist churches usually lumped as "Pentecostal" by most Trinidadians . The Trinidad Mormon Church has also expanded its presence in the country since the mid-1980s.

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