PORT-OF-SPAIN, Trinidad (AP) — Trinidad and Tobago was practically shut down Tuesday as it neared the climax of its famous annual two-day carnival.
But this year, the event – dubbed the “Greatest Show on Earth” – faced mounting cost pressures, leaving a growing number of residents of the twin island Caribbean nation unable to attend.
Ticket prices for premium parties cost around $700, while costumes in popular masquerade bands cost more than $2,000.
Aware of the rising cost, teachers and musicians are finding creative ways to make Carnival more accessible to residents, whose ancestors were slaves who were forbidden to participate in such festivities.
Joshua Lamoureille, who goes to poor communities and teaches free walking, says: “It’s giving the kids a chance to be part of something that is hard for them to afford.”
Days shy of schools and businesses closing for the massive Carnival street parade that began Monday, Lamore was giving final signals to students. He saw 11-year-old Kanye Simmons sitting on a wall and securing stilts to his feet in front of the junior parade.
Stilt-hiding is Simmons’ favorite pastime, even more so than video games: “I think it’s very educational, and it’s a lot of fun.”
His mother, Chrisann Clark, said she appreciates Lamorel’s push to educate children on the country’s culture and the history of Carnival. She was also grateful that her son did not have to pay to participate in the parade as is customary.
“It’s really good, because a lot of parents can’t afford it,” she said.
‘We are the carnival’
Carnival in Trinidad and Tobago is celebrated two days before Ash Wednesday – dubbed Carnival Monday and Tuesday. Although not official national holidays, thousands of people dress up to participate in street parades.
Carnival dates back to the 18th century, when French settlers brought festivities to the islands but prohibited African slaves from participating. In the 19th century, formerly enslaved Africans rioted against British authorities who tried to suppress the celebrations.
Carnival has since evolved into a major festival and is a major contributor to the economy, employing thousands of people and generating millions of dollars in tourism revenue.
With ticket and costume prices soaring, soca music star Kimba Sorzano got creative to promote his new music for this year’s carnival.
He has a minibus, called “Maxi Taxi”. Some mornings, he offers free rides to passengers on the condition that they listen to his music for the entire ride.
His promotion strategy has become so popular that fast food restaurants have gotten on board and added free breakfast to the commute.
“Some people get value from Carnival, but at the same time we are Carnival,” said Sorzano, who believes the true spirit of Carnival resides in the hearts of Trinidadians and Tobagonians.
He’s not the only artist spreading carnival cheer for free. Singer Patrice Roberts held a free soca music concert in late January that drew more than 10,000 people.
Acknowledging the hardships faced by some families, Roberts said in a video posted on social media that she knows “not everyone is going to make it” this year.
“It’s for all the faithful fans, families and anyone who still wants to feel the magic,” Roberts said.
Free street parade for children
Lamorel believes that making Carnival and other aspects of Trinidad and Tobago’s culture more accessible will help enrich people’s lives.
“I’m up for anything to make the youth better and have a better perspective on the culture,” he said.
This year, Lamorelle formed a carnival masquerade band for children, using his own money to cover most expenses, although some sponsors helped.
It’s a rare opportunity for a country of about 1.4 million people whose unemployment rate is expected to hit 4.8% in the third quarter of 2025, up from 3.8% in the previous quarter, according to the latest government data.
Since being elected last May, the government has approved new taxes and increased some fees. This has led to rising prices and job losses for consumers, forcing some to close their businesses.
Lamorel has the support of people in his community in Valencia, a small town in northeastern Trinidad.
“He’s doing an amazing job in the community because he’s keeping the kids busy more than robbing and bullshitting,” said Nakita de Verteuil, whose two children are part of the band.
One of his sons, Josiah de Verteuil, who painted the “Midnight Robber” on a four-foot-tall stilt, looked to Lemorel as a mentor.
“He’s a very loving person,” the 17-year-old said. “And for kids, he’s one of the best influencers.”
