Research Topics for Trinidad and Tobago

 

    The beautiful island nation of Trinidad and Tobago has a rich history of music, arts, food, and historical events. Many research topics then blossom from these categories. One of the topics that come up is the history of Carnival. Carnival was suppose to be the 15th and 16th of February, however due to the pandemic it is now cancelled. Carnival first made its presence to the island when French settlers came around. These settlers were slave owners. The slave owners did not allow slaves to participate in these festivities. Because of this the slaves created their own version called Canboulay. Through this was born Calypso music which is a big part in Carnival for Trinidad and Tobago today. Calypso music was originally used to mock slaves owners and communicate between each other. Now it is more used to celebrate the island and life itself. When percussion music was then banned in the island in 1881, the slaves them started using things close to them for music. The mostly used items were pans, trash lids, and oil drums. This still created a beautiful effect of music that is used today. The people of Trinidad and Tobago even used this to teach the US Navy their music. J'Ouvert is the start of the 2 days that make up Carnival. People come and dress up in their favorite costumes as seen in the photo. They dress like this while playing Calypso up and down the streets. Through these you can really see how much Carnival is seen as a uniting event for the people. You put the hate and rivalry aside to come together as fun and have fun.

Bibliography:

“Home.” The Virtual Caribbean Library, ggccaribbean.wpengine.com/.

 User, Super. “History of Carnival and Its Elements.” History of Carnival, www.ncctt.org/new/index.php/carnival-history/history-of-carnival.html.

“TRINIDAD & TOBAGO CARNIVAL 2021: Events & More.” Carnivaland, 31 Jan. 2021, www.carnivaland.net/trinidad-and-tobago-carnival/.