Carnival in Trinidad and Tobago originally had its roots in West African festivals, facilitated by conservative French aristocracy's carnival celebrations where masks were donned and social visits ensued. While Western traditions had been opressed - the use of drums and religious practices had been outlawed, the slaves, and then former slaves found novel ways to pass on their heritage. Carnival then grew with African influences from the slaves who added singing, dancing, and music as well as exuberance to Carnival to transform it into what we see today. Carnival is celebrated the week before Ash Wednesday in the season of Lent.

Visit the official Trinidad and Tobago Carnival website for additional information.