TRINIDAD and Tobago, known for its vibrant culture and infectious energy, often finds itself bustling with life, especially during the Carnival season. However, for visitors seeking an authentic cultural experience beyond the traditional Carnival festivities, there’s a growing need for more accessible options, particularly during the morning hours.

While the city of Port of Spain offers a plethora of cultural attractions, many of these experiences are primarily concentrated in the evenings or during specific events. This can be limiting for tourists with tight schedules or those who prefer to explore the city’s rich heritage earlier in the day.

Fortunately, there are a few initiatives aiming to address this gap. Tebet Tours, for instance, offers cultural tours that include visits to the MITTCO steelpan factory in Diego Martin, and opportunities to interact with local steelpan bands. These tours provide a glimpse into the heart of Trinidadian music and culture. Additionally, organisations like the Trinidad and Tobago Police Band and the Trinidad and Tobago Defence Force Steel Orchestra offer workshops which leave guests mesmerised with our rhythmic cultural offerings.

Patriotic T&T is another organisation that provides similar experiences and performances that showcase traditional art forms like stilt-walking and fire-breathing. Their offerings often include visits to cultural centres and interactions with local artists and performers.

While these initiatives are commendable, there’s still room for expansion. The Carnival Museum and pan theatres in Port of Spain could play a more significant role in offering daily cultural experiences. By curating regular workshops, performances or exhibitions, these venues could become cultural hubs that attract visitors throughout the day.

But what if Port of Spain isn’t the ideal location for these experiences? Should we consider expanding our cultural offerings to other regions like San Fernando or Tunapuna? These areas also have rich cultural traditions and could offer unique perspectives.

Ultimately, the goal is to make cultural experiences in Trinidad and Tobago more accessible and convenient for visitors. By increasing the availability of morning cultural activities, we can ensure that tourists have ample opportunities to immerse themselves in the island’s vibrant heritage.

There needs to be an open discussion by stakeholders to find a working solution to this void in our tourism offerings.

Marcus Baptiste Sangre Grande