Transport Yourself to Carnival With These Joyous Festival Photos From Trinidad to Toronto

Carnival in Trinidad and Tobago is known as "The Greatest Show on Earth," with nonstop fetes and events that all lead up to the main event known as Carnival Tuesday.

Held annually during the week leading up to Lent, carnival in Trinidad is a cultural event celebrating the freedom and emancipation of African slaves on the island. People of all ages are encouraged to join in the fun.

Carnival costumes, like this one from Carnival Rogue in Trinidad, are a feast for the eyes.

Experiencing the joy of carnival in the Caribbean should be on every traveler’s bucket list.

Carnival goers from Carnival Rogue, one of the island’s most celebrated masquerade bands, enjoying the festivities.

You’ll find people from all walks of life at Trinidad Carnival.

Masqueraders at Trinidad Carnival aren’t strangers to wearing masks with their elaborate costumes.

The theme of Trinidad Carnival is always love and happiness.

Masquerader in Trinidad poses for the camera.

Jules Sobion, Creative Director of Carnival Rogue and Commander-in-Chief of Caesar’s Army (center) enjoys Carnival Monday events in Trinidad.

A couple enjoys the fun and revelry at Spice Mas in Grenada.

Carnival is all about smiles and colorful outfits.

A masquerader soaks up the sun at Grenada’s Spice Mas.

Revelers get down and dirty at Jab Jab Jouver’t in Grenada.

Grenada’s iconic Jab Jab Jouver’t event is a tradition held in honor of the resistance and rebellion of the island’s West African ancestors.

Real Housewives of Atlanta star Tanya Sam celebrates carnival in her native Toronto, Canada.

Thousands of people take to the streets of Toronto each year to celebrate carnival.

Real Housewives of Atlanta star Tanya Sam dancing at Toronto Carnival.

Zinaida McNamara-Phillip is the owner of Legends Carnival Band, St. Lucia’s only fully premium V.I.P. experience.

Carnival in St. Lucia makes for the perfect girls’ trip.

Two masqueraders participating in the colorful sights and sounds of St. Lucia carnival.

Carnival costumes, like these two from Legends Carnival Band in St. Lucia, are hand-made by local designers and created a year in advance.

A close-up of a St. Lucia carnival participant.

The vibrant costumes of Barbados’ Crop Over carnival match the island’s eclectic vibe.

Love and unity is the spirit of carnival in Barbados and throughout the Caribbean.

A carnival goer shows off her elaborate costume at Crop Over in Barbados.

The costumes are the main event during carnival celebrations in Barbados.

People of Caribbean heritage from around the world use travel concierge services like Carnival Jumpers to experience the event with friends.

A masquerader, all smiles, at Crop Over in Barbados.