Events in Tobago

Previously known as the Angostura Yachting World Regatta, it might not be the biggest Caribbean race week, but it's certainly the best. Held in mid-February, the event features four days of yacht racing in four classes - racing, cruising, charter and liveaboard. A Regatta Village is set up in the gardens of the Crown Point Beach Resort at Store Bay and there are various organised (and unorganised) parties, games and other events.

An explosion of colour, music, revelry, and creativity, Trinidad & Tobago's Carnival has spawned similar celebrations around the world; but nothing on earth can rival the abandon, euphoria and stunning spectacle of the islands’ biggest festival.

More than steelpan, masqueraders and calypso, Tobago's Carnival celebrations embrace many of the island's traditions. Speech bands, whip wielding devils called jab jabs (from French diable), bottle and spoon bands and African drumming are incorporated into the island's celebrations.

The two day climax of pre-Lenten Carnival celebrations kick off between 4 and 5 am on Carnival Monday with J'Ouvert (French patois for opening of day). J'Ouvert revellers covered in mud, men dressed as women or costumed in nightgowns and waving chamber pots, party till daylight on the streets of Scarborough, Tobago's capital. From around noon on Carnival Monday to late Carnival Tuesday, Scarborough belongs to the revellers of masquerade bands - largely comprised of women in revealing feathered and sequined costumes.

In the weeks prior to Carnival, Tobago also hosts cultural events. There are calypso competitions, where the island's calypsonians compete to be crowned Calypso Monarch. Calypso tents showcasing the island's singing talents spring up and steelbands compete for a chance win the title of Tobago Panorama Champions.

Traditionally held at Buccoo over the Easter weekend, this race can be hilarious to watch, which should not take away from the seriousness with which they are taken by the participants, those betting and most locals on the Easter Monday.

The Tobago Jazz Experience (TJE) 2014 is a celebration of jazz, along with the indigenous music of Trinidad and Tobago and the Caribbean. Staying true to its promise of offering “much more than music” however, the Tobago Jazz Experience incorporates the cultural and historical practices that define the island of Tobago as an ideal destination.

Visitors can indulge in the gastronomic experience that is the authentic dirt oven bread indigenous to the village of Castara; take a walk off the beaten path into the Main Ridge Reserve; immerse themselves in cultural treats such as the goat races at the Buccoo Integrated Facility; or take in a history lesson during a tour of Fort King George Heritage Park - all the while, interacting with a warm and welcoming people notorious for their vintage brand of hospitality.