by
stayintobago
@ 2008-03-04 - 09:35:17
Do you want to lose yourself in the midst of one of the most exotic carnivals? Do you dream of relaxing on a beautiful island surrounded by folklore and fabulous cuisine? Then come to Tobago and witness a celebration of exotic flavors that take you to the magical realms of one of the world's greatest street festivals. Celebrate the Carnival in Tobago and take home lingering memories that evoke the spirit of freedom. Celebrate your holiday with splashes of vibrant hues, amazing music and an experience filled with tropical sensations. The Trinidad and Tobago Carnival takes on hues of color and culture right after Christmas till its culmination on the 4th and 5th of February. Held every year, this astounding Carnival continues with its infectious merriment right through to the 20th of February with countless revelers taking to the streets to 'play mas' (short form of masquerade).
Introduced to Trinidad and Tobago by the French in 1783, the Carnival was originally a splendid masquerade enjoyed by the owners of the plantations. The African slaves were not allowed to take part in the festivities of their owners. As time passed, they celebrated their own festival with rituals and folklore. In 1838, when slavery was abolished, they celebrated their freedom with a special Carnival on the streets with new immigrants adding different facets to this mesmerizing event. Taking on religious nuances through the years, the term Carnival stems from the Latin Carne Vale or ‘Farewell to the flesh’. As a period between the holy day of Christmas and the beginning of the strict season of Lenten, the revelers created the ‘baccanal’ or a time to enjoy wine and revelry. The Trinidad and Tobago Carnival is like looking through a kaleidoscope of celebrations with masquerades, competitions, music, wine and food that is enticing, enchanting and exuberant.
Exploding on to the streets with the Kings and Queens Costume Competition, J’Ouvert, Masquerade Band of the Year and the Panorama, the Carnival rocks with the enchanted culture of Tobago. The non-stop cavorting displays theatrical traditional characters like Jab Jab, Midnight Robber, Pierrot Grenade and Dame Lorraine, Floats and costumes planned months ahead by designers in hopes of creating the most original costume. The music of the Trinidad and Tobago Carnival gives you the fascinating steel pan, an acoustic' instrument and soca or soul calypso rhythmic music with competitions for the best music bands.
Take a break from the excitement and explore the lovely Tobago beaches. Enrich the palate with Creole cuisine and plan adventurous trips on your Tobago holiday. Take off into the vibrant blue waters on a ferry ride from the starting points of Mt. Irvine Bay or Pigeon Point and watch the fascinating Tobago coastline. Go scuba diving and deep sea diving to experience the wondrous sea life.
Feel the lilting rhythm of the music of the Trinidad and Tobago Carnival as it vibrates down the quaint streets to the gorgeous Half Moon Blue Resorts, the French colonial resort at the Donkey Cart House, Bacelot Bay, Tobago. Stop and rest at Half Moon Bay with its lovely décor, tempting cuisine and resort amenities that stay etched in your memory. Take a midnight swim in the pool under the stars and listen to the soft magnetic music of the universe.
Half Moon Blue Resorts, a French colonial resort at the Donkey Cart House, Bacolet Bay, Tobago, offers you a perfect hideaway. Revel in the luxury of Caribbean hospitality at its finest and absorb the panoramic views from your balcony at Half Moon Blue as you rest after a breathtaking sailing trip. Travel into a romantic paradise on: www.halfmoonblue.com and give yourself the affair of a lifetime. Escape into a haven sculpted by Nature on the Caribbean Island of Tobago and let the magic go on...
Even though it is located in the center of town, Half Moon Blue is remote enough to give you a feeling of privacy - With a cozy atmosphere and fantastic food from its world famous restaurants, enjoy Tobago in a new light.
Our nightclubs, discos, casinos, bars, restaurants, sports cafes and pubs offer an up tempo itinerary that will get your adrenaline going if you are looking for good nightlife. Enjoy the dance floor at the Half Moon Blue after a day spent in the parade and celebrations of the independence of this unique island. Spend a week here to get away from the stresses of your daily work.