Tobago is gearing up to host its third annual October Carnival, with anticipation building among organizers, participants and masqueraders.
This year, the island’s band leaders are promising to take things up a notch for an even greater experience.
The event, which started in 2022, has quickly gained popularity, and is now drawing significant attention from both local and international bands and masqueraders.
President of the Tobago October Carnival Association, Dexter Sandy, points to a significant increase in interest some five months before this year’s celebration.
“It’s a proud moment to know that Tobago is really creating a buzz when comes to Carnival,” Sandy told Guardian Media.
“When we hear about carnival we usually think about Trinidad, but it is good that this product [Tobago Carnival] now is reaching far and wide and attracting a lot of interest,” he said.
Dexter Sandy confirmed that many bands have already begun their preparations, with designs completed and band launches planned within this month.
Jade Monkey Mas will launch its costumes on June 22, 2024. Meanwhile, Zain Carnival has teased masqueraders after releasing two sections on social media, on Tuesday this week.
The island’s largest mas band, Fog Angels, has begun pre-registration. Iconic Mas, owned by Sandy, will double its sections.
“A lot of bands for J’ouvert were completely sold-out last year,” he points out, “and we expect that will happen again with the buzz that has come into 2024.”
Sandy said the Association is working closely with Pan Trinbago and the Trinbago Unified Calypsonians’ Organisation to host a launch of this year’s Carnival festivities.
Tobago Carnival is scheduled to take place from October 25th to 27th.
Flights to Tobago on October 27 are almost sold out. In addition, all return flights on October 28 already have been sold out.
