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Trinidad And Tobago CarnivalCarnival in Trinidad and Tobago is the event of the year. It is said that if the islanders are not celebrating it then they are preparing for it while reminiscing about the past year's festival. The heart of the musical celebration is the calypso which developed in spite of British rule with all its Anglicizing zeal and racism. Carnival on Trinidad and Tobago originally had its roots in conservative French aristocracy where masks were donned and social visits ensued. It then grew with African influences from the slaves that added singing, dancing, and music as well as exuberance to Carnival to transform it into what we see today. Carnival is celebrated the week before Ash Wednesday in the season of Lent. Musical competitions make up a large part of Carnival and to win a competition is highly coveting. For example, to be named Calypso Monarch is one of the island's greatest honors and the competition is aired on television. The instruments uses are the drums, claves, and the pan or steel drum which is a drum that has been hammered down in different areas which create different notes. A group of performers practice weeks in advance on these drums in order to compete and hopefully bring home the top honor. East Indians are the largest demographic group on Trinidad and Tobago and as such they have combined their musical influences to that of Carnival. Spanish influences are also reflected by the immigrants from Venezuela. These cultures and contributions render a sound vastly different from Carnival in Spain, Venice, or even in New Orleans where Mardi Gras is celebrated.
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