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

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

By Danielle Pointdujour

September 05, 2020

Credit: Media Mill

When COVID-19 reared its ugly head early this year, it didn’t just put a stop to lounging on sandy beaches, but also to many of the rich cultural experiences that we travel for. In the Caribbean, carnival is a vibrant event that locals, as well as those of Caribbean heritage across the globe, look forward to celebrating annually. Held at various times throughout the year, Caribbean Carnival is a tradition steeped in history, religion, culture, and of course, fun.

The welcoming and inclusive nature of carnival is what makes it one of the region’s most sought after, can’t-miss experiences for travelers. We may not be able to partake in the colorful world of carnival this year, but these photos from years past are keeping its spirit alive until we can fete together again in 2021.

Start Slideshow

1 of 29

Credit: Kyeon Lucien

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.

2 of 29

Credit: Kyeon Lucien

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.

3 of 29

Credit: Kyeon Lucien

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

4 of 29

Credit: Kyeon Lucien

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

5 of 29

Credit: Kyeon Lucien

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

6 of 29

Credit: Media Mill

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

7 of 29

Credit: Media Mill

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

8 of 29

Credit: Media Mill

The theme of Trinidad Carnival is always love and happiness.

9 of 29

Credit: Nigel Reid

Masquerader in Trinidad poses for the camera.

10 of 29

Credit: Nigel Reid

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

11 of 29

Credit: Omar Takes Pictures

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

12 of 29

Credit: Omar Takes Pictures

Carnival is all about smiles and colorful outfits.

13 of 29

Credit: Omar Takes Pictures

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

14 of 29

Credit: Omar Takes Pictures

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

15 of 29

Credit: Omar Takes Pictures

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.

16 of 29

Credit: Tanya Sam

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

17 of 29

Credit: Tanya Sam

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

18 of 29

Credit: Tanya Sam

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

19 of 29

Credit: Zinaida McNamara-Phillip

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

20 of 29

Credit: Kern Gardiner

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

21 of 29

Credit: Andre Choo Quan

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

22 of 29

Credit: Shaun Alcindor

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

23 of 29

Credit: Shaun Alcindor

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

24 of 29

Credit: Visit Barbados

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

25 of 29

Credit: Visit Barbados

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

26 of 29

Credit: Danielle Pointdujour

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

27 of 29

Credit: Visit Barbados

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

28 of 29

Credit: Carnival Jumpers

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

29 of 29

Credit: Carnival Jumpers

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

Replay gallery

Up Next

By Danielle Pointdujour

Your Profile

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

1 of 29

1 of 29

2 of 29

2 of 29

3 of 29

3 of 29

4 of 29

4 of 29

5 of 29

5 of 29

6 of 29

6 of 29

7 of 29

7 of 29

8 of 29

8 of 29

9 of 29

9 of 29

10 of 29

10 of 29

11 of 29

11 of 29

12 of 29

12 of 29

13 of 29

13 of 29

14 of 29

14 of 29

15 of 29

15 of 29

16 of 29

16 of 29

17 of 29

17 of 29

18 of 29

18 of 29

19 of 29

19 of 29

20 of 29

20 of 29

21 of 29

21 of 29

22 of 29

22 of 29

23 of 29

23 of 29

24 of 29

24 of 29

25 of 29

25 of 29

26 of 29

26 of 29

27 of 29

27 of 29

28 of 29

28 of 29

29 of 29

29 of 29

Share the Gallery

Up Next

Share the Gallery

Everything in This Slideshow