TrekUnity
When
February
Attendance
hundreds of thousands
Admission
Free
Setting
Outdoor
Trinidad Carnival is the Caribbean's biggest and most influential Carnival — a pre-Lenten explosion of soca and steelpan music, elaborate "mas" (masquerade) costumes, and nonstop street parties centered on Port of Spain, culminating in the two-day Parade of the Bands when tens of thousands of costumed revelers "play mas" across the city.
From pre-dawn J'ouvert covered in paint and mud to the glittering costume parades, it's an immersive, joyful celebration and the birthplace of Carnival traditions exported worldwide.
Want to go? Turn Trinidad and Tobago Carnival into a trip you plan with your group.
Creates an editable trip seeded with a starter itinerary, hotels & eats.
Event details
Typical dates
The Monday and Tuesday before Ash Wednesday (Feb or early March)
Admission
Street parties free · playing mas (band costume) & fetes ticketed
Parking
Streets close for the parades — stay central and walk, or use taxis/maxi-taxis.
Nearest airport
Piarco International (POS) — ~40 min
Typical weather
Hot, humid Caribbean dry season — 80s–90s °F; sun protection, light clothes, and hydration.
Official website
Location
Port of Spain, Trinidad and Tobago
Where to stay
Hyatt Regency Trinidad
Waterfront hotel in Port of Spain.
Kapok Hotel
Longtime favorite near Queen's Park Savannah.
Woodbrook guesthouses
In the lively neighborhood near the fetes.
Where to eat & drink
Doubles
The beloved curried-chickpea street snack.
Bake and shark
The famous Maracas Beach fried-fish sandwich.
Roti & callaloo
Trini staples of the island's diverse cuisine.
Nearby attractions
Queen's Park Savannah
The hub of Carnival and the Big Stage.
Maracas Beach
A stunning beach over the mountains north of the city.
Panyards (steelpan)
Hear steel orchestras rehearse before Panorama.
A sample itinerary
1Arrive + fetes
- •Fly into POS
- •Afternoon: doubles + the Savannah
- •Evening: a Carnival fete
2J'ouvert + mas
- •Pre-dawn: J'ouvert paint party
- •Afternoon: rest
- •Evening: soca
3Parade of the Bands
- •Day: play mas / watch the costume parade
- •Evening: celebrate
4Beach + depart
- •Morning: Maracas Beach + bake and shark
- •Head to POS
Make it yours — an editable trip you can share with your group.
Travel tips
- Register with a mas band months ahead if you want to play mas.
- Do J'ouvert for the raw, joyful heart of Carnival.
- Add Maracas Beach and its famous bake and shark.
Frequently asked questions
When is Trinidad Carnival?
The Monday and Tuesday before Ash Wednesday — February or early March.
What does "playing mas" mean?
Joining a masquerade band and parading in its costume during the Parade of the Bands — you buy into a band in advance.
What is J'ouvert?
The pre-dawn kickoff where revelers cover themselves in paint, mud, and oil and party through the streets to sunrise.
Going with friends?
TrekUnity keeps the whole group on the same page — vote on plans, split costs, and see who's arriving when.
Start planning freeTrekUnity is an independent travel guide and is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or sponsored by Trinidad and Tobago Carnival or its organizers. Dates, prices, and details are provided for informational purposes and can change — always confirm on the official event website before booking.