Carnival Institute of Trinidad and Tobago

17/04/2026

🚌🌍 Slyvester Lockhart’s 1990 calypso titled “Bus Conductor” poses a creative depiction of everyday life on one of the main forms of public transport in Trinidad and Tobago and as such it makes it relevant to World Public Transport Day and its theme, “One day. Millions of Journeys.” The song humorously yet insightfully describes the role of the bus conductor, the one who collects the fares, maintains order on most crowded buses. Through energetic lyrics and storytelling, Poser focuses on the commotion, company, and culture that is displayed during a single bus ride.

🎶🇹🇹 On World Public Transport Day, this calypso reminds us that the means of using public transport is not just about infrastructure, but about the callaloo of our people and their shared experiences. Each commuter represents a different journey, and the conductor becomes the main person who connects them all. This calypso reflects how travelling spaces are twofold where we have the social environments where speech, humour, and community spirit flourishes much like calypso itself. Poser’s work therefore highlights the perception that behind every trip you can find an individual’s story, making public transport a cultural as well as practical lifeline. 🚌✨

📸 Images taken from the Public Transport Service Corporation - PTSC page.
🎵 Song credit: Poser (Sylvester Lockhart) - “Bus Conductor”

16/04/2026

🎭 In Trinidad and Tobago Carnival, Traditional Mas and Ole Mas are often discussed together, but they are not the same thing.

Traditional Mas refers to the historic Carnival characters and forms that have been passed down through generations, each carrying its own symbolism, performance style and cultural meaning.

🪧 Ole Mas, or Old Masquerade, is a public performance associated with Carnival Monday and J’ouvert morning, in which individuals or groups use puns, proverbs, placards, slogans and humour in satirical presentations. In Ole Mas, costume and portrayal can range from the bizarre to the humorous, often reflecting the social and political issues of the day.

✨ The two often overlap, especially in J’ouvert spaces, but they serve different purposes within the Carnival tradition. One helps preserve historic characters and their legacy, while the other uses wit and commentary to provoke thought and reflect the times.

📚 Understanding both helps us better appreciate the depth, creativity and meaning of Trinidad and Tobago Carnival.



National Carnival Commission of Trinidad and Tobago- NCC

01/04/2026

🎭 On April Fools’ Day, CITT reflects on the wit, satire and social commentary that have long shaped Trinidad and Tobago’s Carnival tradition. 🇹🇹

🎤 Born Theophilus Philip, The Mighty Spoiler was one of calypso’s great masters of humour. He won the Calypso King title three times, with “Royal Wedding” in 1948, “Bed Bug” in 1953, and “Pick Sense Out of Nonsense” in 1955. 👑
📀 His song “All Fools Day” was released circa 1958, and it remains a fitting reminder that humour in calypso is never only for laughter. It is also observation, satire and truth. 🎶
🎉 On a day devoted to foolishness, we remember an artiste who understood that in Carnival, laughter can be playful, pointed and deeply meaningful all at once. ✨

31/03/2026

The Carnival Institute of Trinidad and Tobago continues to fulfil its mandate of education and cultural dissemination through active participation in initiatives that deepen public understanding of Trinidad and Tobago’s Carnival.

On Wednesday March 11, 2026, the Institute participated in Carnival Film Screenings: A Retrospective, hosted by the Academy of Arts, Letters, Culture and Public Affairs at Theatre 1, University of Trinidad and Tobago Campus, National Academy for the Performing Arts, Port of Spain. This thoughtfully curated event featured four films dedicated to exploring the richness and complexity of Trinidad Carnival.

The Institute presented its 2015 documentary, Our Soul Turned Inside Out, during the 6:00 p.m. screening. The film offered audiences 63 minutes of history and visual storytelling, examining traditional masquerade forms such as the Jab Jab, Stickfighter and Jab Molassie, figures deeply rooted in resistance, identity and cultural memory.

Following the screening, attendees engaged in a lively and insightful Q&A session with members of the production team: Ms Mary-Ann Brailey (Film Director), Mr Orlando Dinchong (Videographer and Editor) and Ms Claire Woods (Researcher). The discussion explored both creative and technical dimensions, from the filmmaking process to the broader work and mission of the Institute.

The Carnival Institute of Trinidad and Tobago extends sincere thanks to Carnival Fim Screenings and Academy of Arts, Letters, Culture and Public Affairs for the opportunity to once again share and preserve knowledge of Trinidad and Tobago’s Carnival traditions in a meaningful and impactful way.

Carnival Film Screenings UTT - The University of Trinidad and Tobago

13/03/2026

Today, the Carnival Institute of Trinidad and Tobago (CITT) honours Patricia Lezama, lovingly known as Miss Patsy, Scout Leader and to many in her community, the “Mayor of Mayaro.” A longstanding leader of the Mayaro Scouts Group since 1985, she was a guiding force behind the Mayaro Scout Band and a beloved figure whose life’s work helped shape generations of young people through music, survival skills, discipline, service and cultural pride. 🎺🎭

Miss Patsy dedicated many years to the advancement and preservation of Carnival traditions in the Mayaro region, becoming a respected and cherished presence among band members, cultural practitioners and the Regional Carnival Committee (RCC) of the National Carnival Commission. She supported band preparations, encouraged young masqueraders and contributed to community and cultural life with humility, strength and unwavering commitment. Her work reflected the very spirit of Carnival: unity, creativity, resilience and pride. 🇹🇹✨

Newsday once referred to her as the “Mother of Mayaro,” a title that feels deeply deserved. Her life was one of remarkable resilience. Raised at the Belmont Orphanage, she later taught herself to read and overcame severe hardship before returning to Mayaro, where she devoted herself to community work and youth development. She was also described by her family as a self-taught musician whose influence reached more than 5,000 children. ❤️

CITT recognises Miss Patsy not only for her service in scouting and Carnival, but for the wider cultural lesson her life leaves with us: that mentorship is heritage work, community building is cultural labour, and the shaping of young lives is one of the most enduring acts of nation-building. Publicly honoured in 2022 for her contributions to the Mayaro community by the Mayaro/Rio Claro Regional Corporation. 🌺

We extend our deepest condolences to her family, the people of Mayaro, the scouting fraternity, the RCC and all those whose lives were touched by her courage, humour, generosity and care. May Patricia “Miss Patsy” Lezama's legacy continue in every young person she inspired to stand tall, serve others and believe in their own worth. 🕊️🤍
Sources:
(Newsday, “Mother of Mayaro” Miss Patsy Honoured for Community Service, 28 March 2022)
(Jaden Clarke, Help Fulfil Ms. Patsy’s Final Wish, GoFundMe, 6 February 2026)
(Raymond Cozier, Facebook tribute/award recognition for Patricia Lezama, 2022)

09/03/2026

🎬✨ Join us on Wednesday 11 March 2026 at Theatre 1, UTT Campus at NAPA, Keate Street, Port-of-Spain, for Carnival Film Screenings: A Retrospective, where the Carnival Institute of Trinidad and Tobago will present Our Soul Turned Inside Out (2015) at 6:00 p.m. 🎭📽️

🎞️ Produced by the National Carnival Commission of Trinidad and Tobago, this film by the Carnival Institute of Trinidad and Tobago is a powerful 63-minute documentary that explores the deeper history of some of our traditional Carnival characters, including the Jab Jab, Jab Molassie (Blue Devils) and Stick Fighters, tracing their origins through slavery, resistance, performance, and cultural survival. The film gives viewers a rare and intimate look at the people behind these traditions, their preparation, their passion and the legacy they continue to carry from generation to generation. 🖤🎭🔥

🗣️ Following the screening, there will be a Q&A with Ms Claire Woods, Research Officer and Mr Orlando Dinchong, Videographer and Editor. 🎤🎬

🌍🎥 Our Soul Turned Inside Out has had a meaningful screening journey over the years, including at the trinidad+tobago film festival at Hyatt Regency Trinidad and MovieTowne, Port of Spain in 2015; the National Trust of Trinidad and Tobago heritage lecture and film screening at the Trinidad and Tobago Chamber of Industry and Commerce Building, Westmoorings in 2016; National Library, Port of Spain as part of KTMLS17 in 2017; the Leeds Beckett Caribbean Carnival Conference at Little Reliance Cinema, Leeds, and later at Seven Arts, Chapel Allerton, Leeds; the film’s New York premiere at Medgar Evers College, Brooklyn; and the UTT Research in Film Series at Theatre 1, UTT Campus at NAPA in 2018 and at Carnival at the Castle I at Castle Killarney as part of its 2019 exhibition activity. 🌟📍

❤️🎭 This is more than a film screening. It is an opportunity to reflect on the older soul of Carnival, the traditions that shaped us and the cultural figures who continue to keep the tradition alive.

🆓🎟️ Free admission.
UTT - The University of Trinidad and Tobago
National Carnival Commission of Trinidad and Tobago- NCC
Carnival Film Screenings

08/03/2026

International Women’s Day serves as both a celebration and a recognition of women’s significant contributions to national culture. 🌸✨
The Carnival Institute of Trinidad and Tobago (CITT) honours the vital roles women play in Carnival, highlighting seamstresses, designers and bandleaders who create exquisite costumes that combine beauty and storytelling. Their work transforms ordinary materials into vibrant masquerades that express freedom, imagination and cultural pride. 🇹🇹🎭🧵
CITT also acknowledges the contributions of women in the steelband movement, where female pannists, arrangers and leaders are integral to orchestras, ensuring that the steelpan remains a shared and dynamic element of our national heritage. 🥁🎶
In tassa, women continue to make important contributions, showcasing their musical talent, strengthening the art form and inspiring younger generations of girls to engage confidently with these traditions. 💜🎵✨
Furthermore, women have used lyrical expression and performance to address social issues and share their personal experiences. In chutney music, female artistes blend traditional elements with modern influences, honouring Indo-Trinbagonian heritage while expanding the representation of women’s voices. Similarly, the Rapso movement features women who articulate identity, struggle and resistance through rhythmic poetry and song. 🎤📝🔥
CITT expresses gratitude to the women whose impact extends beyond performance into everyday cultural life, inspiring future generations to shape the evolving traditions of mas, pan, tassa, calypso, chutney, Rapso and more. 🙌🏽✨

30/12/2025

See you January 3 at Moruga Multi-Purpose Youth & Sport Facility!!!! National Carnival Commission of Trinidad and Tobago- NCC

Welcome to the Gayelle. 🥁⚔️

Experience the historical and traditional art of stick fighting, where rhythm, respect, strength, and tradition meet. This is more than a match; it’s culture, discipline, and history in motion. This is, Trinidad and Tobago Carnival!

📍 Moruga Multi-Purpose Youth & Sport Facility
🗓 January 3rd, 2026
⏰ 7:00 PM
🎟 Admission: FREE, FREE, FREE
📺 Streamed live

From the call of the drum to the clash of bois, the Gayelle comes alive in Moruga. Come witness a tradition passed down through generations and feel the energy that makes Trinidad & Tobago Carnival what it is.

For updates, visit www.ttcarnival365.com

Yuh go love dis 💛🔥

15/12/2025

Today we wish Mr. Peter Kanhai, Chairman of the National Carnival Commission, a Happy Birthday.
Captured here at our Emancipation and Carnival 2025 Exhibition, we take this moment to recognise your ongoing support of cultural preservation, research and storytelling.
Wishing you continued strength and success in the year ahead, from the Carnival Institute of Trinidad and Tobago (CITT).

10/12/2025

The Carnival Institute of Trinidad and Tobago (CITT) reflects on the powerful role Calypso has played in defending human rights in our nation.

For generations, calypsonians have used their voices to challenge inequality, protest injustice, and speak for those who were unheard. Through satire, critique and storytelling, they became advocates for freedom, workers’ rights, immigrant rights, equality and dignity.

Artists such as Black Stalin, Brother Valentino, David Rudder, King Austin, Mighty Sparrow and many others transformed the stage into a space of social education and civic engagement. Their songs pushed us to see ourselves and to do better.

As we observe Human Rights Day, we honour Calypso as more than entertainment.
It is resistance.
It is memory.
It is the voice that reminds us of our duty to protect the rights of every citizen in Trinidad & Tobago.

🎶 Featured Song: Mighty Sparrow – Human Rights (1981)

09/12/2025

Carnival in Trinidad during the 1940s–1950s reflected the social landscape of the island. While classes and races moved within their own spaces, the rhythm of Carnival still pulled everyone onto the road — whether from lofty truck platforms or dancing on foot. Competitions at the Queen’s Park Oval and Queen’s Park Savannah drew crowds as Carnival Queens were crowned and Calypso Kings claimed their titles, with brass and steel bands giving life to every step.

By the 1950s, Hollywood imagery heavily influenced presentations. Bands staged historical scenes like The Reign of the Plantagenets (1949) and Imperial Rome (1951), pushing creativity further each year. Paper costumes gave way to metalwork, opening doors for artisans such as Ken Morris — a shift that helped redefine Carnival craftsmanship. With mas becoming increasingly competitive, Band of the Year was officially introduced in 1955.

Today we look back at an era that shaped the artistry, innovation, and identity of Trinidad Carnival.
📸 Featuring rare archival photographs from the CITT Collection.