Culture and Customs of Trinidad and Tobago

Arts, Crafts, and Architecture

Arts

Crafts

Architecture

Museums

Customs and Traditions

Local Traditions

Etiquette

Dress and Behavior

Sensitive or Taboo Topics

Languages

English is the official language of the archipelago. However, many locals also speak Trinidadian Creole or Tobagonian Creole, both of which are blends of English and the various languages of the populations that have shaped the country. As for foreign languages, Spanish is the most common, with around 5% of speakers, while French is almost nonexistent, even though the local creoles share some similarities with French Creole from the Antilles.

Glossary

A few local words and expressions useful for travelers:

Festivals and Celebrations

Major Events and Public Holidays

January 1: New Year's Day.

March 30: Spiritual Baptist Liberation Day.

March-April: Good Friday.

March-April: Easter Monday.

May 30: Indian Arrival Day.

May-June: Whit Monday.

May-June: Corpus Christi.

June 19: Labour Day.

July: Tobago Heritage Festival.

August 1: Emancipation Day.

August 31: Independence Day.

September 24: Republic Day.

October-November: Divali.

December 25: Christmas Day.

December 26: Boxing Day.