Carnival Recap: Spectacular Displays and Safety Concerns at Trinidad's Greatest Show on Earth
March 6, 2025
Thousands of masqueraders and spectators gathered at Queen’s Park Savannah for Trinidad's Carnival grand finale, featuring vibrant costumes, community presentations, and calls for improved accessibility and safety measures.
The morning oppressive heat could not stop the Carnival joy on Tuesday, as thousands of masqueraders and mas lovers descended on the Queen’s Park Savannah in Port of Spain for the grand finale of the Greatest Show on Earth.
The first large band across the Savannah stage had the spectators wowed.
Known for elaborate and colourintense costumes, K2K’s Holy Trespasses featured portrayals of life’s sweet and sinful indulgences, with masqueraders draped in massive prints of candied fruit.
Next on stage were veterans Ronnie and Caro, with Shall We Dance – Where Every Step Tells a Story.
This year’s lulls between early morning bands appeared to have lessened, with Spirit Mas crossing the stage next. The band presented sections such as Ibis, Argyle and Gasparee, showcasing Trinidad and Tobago’s flora and fauna.
Big band Yuma followed and took some time across the stage with Echoes of Iere – Welcome back to beauty.
The stage was hardly empty for very long, as spaces between bands were filled by smaller presentations from communities around Port of Spain and individuals. The crowd also went wild for The Lost Tribe’s Lost in Time, with many spectators hailing the band as one of the best to have emerged in recent years.
Also thrilling the crowd was Belmont Exotic, with Stylish Sailors.
While those who made it to the Savannah for the first half of the parade were pleased with the spectacle, many masqueraders found the stands were “emptier” than in previous years.
Some senior spectators also called for a shuttle service in the downtown area for Carnival, as some had difficulty walking from downtown to the Savannah. Many people also expressed concerns for their safety as they walked, as they felt more police officers should have been deployed on the streets.
People were also impressed with this year’s Carnival Village, which was praised for presentation, variety, and its showcasing of Carnival traditions of the past.
(Trinidad Express)
