HISTORICALLY SPEAKING TRINIDAD AND TOBAGO TPATCH PROGRAM
complete 3 requirements to earn this patch
you can print this page and share it with others

1. Trinidad and Tobago are the southernmost islands of the Caribbean archipelago. They are considered to be part of South America. This country is made up of two islands.

2. English is the official language of Trinidad and Tobago. It is spoken with a certain dialect, which is called Trinidadian English. There is an estimated 5% amount of the population that speaks Spanish. Learn some words or slang that is spoken in Trinidad and Tobago.

3. Trinidad and Tobago is known for its Carnival celebration. Colorful costumes, competitions, parades, and exuberant celebrations make this Carnival one of the best in all of the Caribbean. Other festivals in Trinidad and Tobago are mainly religious and reflect the wide ethnic diversity in the country. Learn about festivals in Trinidad and Tobago, go to a festival, participate in one, OR complete a craft that represents a festival.

4. Fresh fruit and vegetables, meat stew with rice, and seafood are popular food items and meals in Trinidad and Tobago. Some examples of popular dishes include: Trinidad Pelau, Curried Chicken Wings, and Phoulorie, a type of stew. Try a recipe, food, or drink from Trinidad and Tobago.

5. Trinidad and Tobago are the birthplace of calypso music and the steelpan. Attila the Hun, Roaring Lion and Lord Invader are popular calypso artists. This style of music is highly rhythmic and harmonic. It is considered to be the music of the people. Steelpan is a percussion instrument. This instrument is used in calypso music. Watch a dance OR listen to music OR sing a song OR learn more information about a musician from Trinidad and Tobago.

6. Legends and stories of Trinidad and Tobago reflect the many cultural backgrounds in the country today. Folk Tales and nature poetry make up many of its early literature. Read a story, legend, OR listen to a legend or play.

7. Trinidad and Tobago was the earliest settled part of the Caribbean, being settled at least 7,000 years ago. The Spanish first arrived in Trinidad in 1498, when Christopher Columbus landed on the island. Later, in the 1500's Spanish explorers landed on the island and spread its culture. Learn more about Spanish culture and heritage and see how it has influenced Trinidad and Tobago.

8. Trinidad and Tobago is an island nation. There are 467 bird species and more than 100 mammal species living on this diverse land. Along with a marine and coastal ecosystem, the island also hosts a freshwater, savanna, and forest ecosystem. There are about 3,300 plant species on the island. Choose [3] animals OR plants from Trinidad and Tobago to learn more about. Also, Locate the Caribbean Sea.

9. Trinidad and Tobago is well known for its graphic arts. Painter, Michel Jean Cazabon is one of the countries most famous artists. Other handicrafts made in smaller towns and villages include, woodwork, ceramics, candles and wind chimes. Create a craft or project using a traditional a skill OR jewelry OR observe someone creating a handicraft OR a traditional craft from Trinidad and Tobago.

10. The clothing style of Trinidad and Tobago is very simple due to it being an island. The clothing seen on both men and women is very light and airy. Some traditional clothing items that are worn on during festivals such as the Carnival are a turban for men and a sari for women. They are often very decorative and colorful for festivals. Draw a picture of the clothing, dress up in a Trinidadian and Toboggan themed costume, mask, create an accessory, complete our paper dolls OR view traditional clothing through books or the Internet or our country manual.

11. There are a variety of games played by children in Trinidad and Tobago. Learn a traditional game OR play a game that symbolizes Trinidad and Tobago OR play a water game OR play a game in our manual.