Trinidad

Trinidad (Spanish, "Trinity") is the largest and most populous of the 23 islands which make up the country of Trinidad and Tobago. Trinidad is the southernmost island in the Caribbean and lies just 11 km (7 miles) off the northeastern coast of Venezuela. Venezuela can be easily seen from south-facing beaches on the Columbus channel. Trinidad has an area of 4,769 km² (1,864 sq. mi.) and is located between 10°3′N 60°55′W and 10°50′N 61°55′W.

Today's Trinidad is a colourful and lively island, the result of a fusion of many different cultures and beautiful natural features. It hosts an annual pre-Lenten Carnival. Styles of popular music include calypso, chutney music, soca, reggae and parang.

Areas of natural beauty include: a variety of beaches (e.g. Maracas, Las Cuevas, Mayaro and Grande Riviere), swamps (Nariva and Caroni), areas of seasonal tropical forests and the hills of the Northern Range. Trinidad is also the home of such animals as the leopard-like ocelot, the manatee, caimans and the Scarlet Ibis (see List of birds of Trinidad and Tobago), which is the national bird of Trinidad and Tobago and is featured on the coat of arms along with the Rufous-vented Chachalaca or "Cocrico". The Scarlet Ibis represents Trinidad and the Cocrico represents Tobago.

The capital of Trinidad is Port of Spain, located in the northwest of the island. The largest municipality is Chaguanas, an important shopping area, and central to the once vibrant sugar industry. The city of San Fernando, the second largest municipality, lies further south.

Caribbean Carnival's principal components are calypso, steelpan and playing mas (masquerade). In the historic capital City of Port-of-Spain, Trinidad, these elements are harmoniously structured to form a five day ritual pageant beginning with the King & Queen Contest (Friday), Panorama (Saturday), Dimanche Gras (Sunday), J'Ouvert (Monday) and the Parade of the Bands (Tuesday). These main events and countless others build to an unforgettable epiphany of beauty and stunning display of the irrepressible human spirit before concluding and allowing the quiet first day of Lent and reflection known as Ash Wednesday to be admitted to consciousness. Today Trinidad's model for public celebration is the most widely imitated festival art form in the world. Many Trinidadian Carnival artists are able to work year round performing throughout North America, Europe, and the Caribbean. Yet despite this success, many believe the best is yet to come.