CULTURE and CREATIVE EXPRESSIONS of Port-of-Spain Trinidad

 “Development in the cultural and creative industry sector has been seen as particularly significant in the regeneration of some deindustrialised inner areas.  In analyzing the development of the cultural industries sector in cities it is difficult to generalize as the sector displays enormous diversity.” (Hall et al pg. 81).

The urban environment is diversified in cultural and creative expressions that depict the multifaceted variations of society of a place. Historical and present day traditions which adopted over the years are distinctly visible. The activity that encompasses this in Trinidad is “Carnival.”

Carnival is celebrated annually during the month of February for approximately a week in the city of Port-of-Spain Trinidad, but prior to this month before various events occur to the build-up of carnival. The activities are wide and vary, filling the atmosphere of the urban city and the country with music, freedom and creativity. Many citizens and visitors take the opportunity to totally “let free,” of the stresses of life. People of different religions, ethnicity, nationality and mind-sets converge to have “FUN.”

The activities that persons become engaged in ranges from: Panorama, Calypso tents, Calypso Monarch, Soca Monarch, Ex-tempo and parties held by various promoters, where soca artistes perform. The historical and present day issues that shape culture are depicted in the creative displays of costumes that encompass the streets of Port-of Spain from carnival Friday to Tuesday. Both old and young are engaged in these activities. These events allow the transference of traditional and historical aspects of culture to the youths and also to visitors.

The “Calypso Monarch” competition consists of two parts the main event occurs in the city. The songs sung by these calypsonians highlight issues, events and situations that have occurred in the country. It is a forum where education of the public on issues entailing how government dealt with or are connected to events relating to acts of corruption, lack of proper representation and management of the country’s finances are expressed and viewed openly without fear.

Talents of the people are seen in all activities from the playing of steelbands, to the costumes created and the cleaver forms of presenting information in in songs through the ‘double play’ on word meanings.

Although activities occur throughout the country, the main activities are conducted in the city. The organizing and funding for most of the activities are obtained from government departments and private institutions. The NCC (National Carnival Commission), being the main organizer  These institutions to a great extent regulate the carnival events. The role of the government and private institutions maintain their power over what occurs in the urban environment. However, it’s also a time when even the informal economy of the city (characterized by diversity that continually changes in response to shifting circumstances and opportunities, pg. 93) are able to reap economic benefits. Carnival contributes to the distribution of wealth, although it is still uneven or unequal.