FESTIVALS & EVENTS IN TRINIDAD & TOBAGO
Find something unique to experience in Trinbago. Here's a look at our upcoming festivals and cultural events!
INDEPENDENCE DAY
August 31
This day commemorates Trinidad and Tobago’s independence from Britain in 1962. At midnight on 30th August 1962, the Union Jack (British flag) was lowered and the Trinidad and Tobago flag was raised for the first time. Bells tolled and sirens rang out to herald the birth of the newly independent nation. Several international dignitaries were present for this auspicious occasion including the Queen’s representative Her Royal Highness The Princess Royal who read the message sent by Queen Elizabeth II, relinquishing her rule.
Today, Independence Day is celebrated with military-style parade through the streets of Port-of-Spain. Cheering spectators gather in the national colours to see the parade creating a carnival-like atmosphere.
Finally, this day of celebration ends with fireworks displays at the Queen’s Park Savannah, where thousands of people gather to view the free show.
REPUBLIC DAY
September 24
Trinidad and Tobago became a Republic on August 1st, 1976. The event is celebrated as a public holiday on September 24th because this is the date when the first Parliament met under the new Republican Constitution.
On this day we celebrate having a Trinidad and Tobago President replace the Queen of England as the head of state, and the islands becoming a Republic – A state or nation in which the supreme power rests in all the citizens entitled to vote (the electorate), and is exercised by representatives elected, directly or indirectly, by them, and responsible to them.