Indian Arrival Day 2025: Celebrating 180 Years of Heritage in Trinidad

Posted: May 30, 2025 By: Tourism Trinidad 3 minutes

This weekend marks 180 years since the arrival of the first Indian indentured laborers to Trinidad aboard the Fatel Razack. This significant milestone commemorates the resilience and contributions of these early immigrants and their descendants, who have profoundly influenced Trinidad’s cultural landscape. While Indian Arrival Day is officially observed on May 30, the celebrations extend into the weekend, offering a variety of events that honor Indo-Trinidadian heritage. Here are some things to do this weekend to commemorate in Trinidad.

Saturday May 31, 2025: NCIC Heritage Festival – Ramleela & Night of Dance

Time: 4:00 PM (Ramleela), 7:00 PM (Night of Dance)
Location: Divali Nagar, Chaguanas
Details: The National Council of Indian Culture (NCIC) continues its Heritage Festival with a performance of Ramleela by the Avocat Ramleela Group at 4:00 PM. Later, at 7:00 PM, enjoy the “Night of Dance,” featuring performances by local and international dance groups, including Raissa ‘Shri Devi’ Nagpin from Guadeloupe and various Trinidadian dance academies. These events are free and open to the public, with a family-friendly atmosphere.

Sunday June 1, 2025: NCIC Heritage Festival – Grand Cultural Programme

Time: 6:00 PM
Location: Divali Nagar, Chaguanas
Details: The festival culminates with a Grand Cultural Programme featuring performances by RG the Band with Rishi Guyadeen, Anjely Rajkumar, Shri Krishen Chowtal Group, and international artists like Trishala Chotoe from Suriname and Nisha Ramracha from the USA. The evening also includes dance performances and tassa drumming.

Chai & Butter-Making Workshop at the Indian Caribbean Museum

Time: 2:00 PM – 4:00 PM
Location: Indian Caribbean Museum, Waterloo Road, Carapichaima
Details: Experience traditional Indian culinary practices in a hands-on workshop where participants learn to make spiced chai and churn butter. This event celebrates Indo-Trinidadian heritage through food and is perfect for families and food enthusiasts.