Trinidad and Tobago is home to world-famous beaches such as well as the world-famous Carnival, but the dual-island nation also offers interesting choices in heritage tourism and a varied array of cultural events. [Also see previous posts Eco-Tourism in Tobago and its Underwater Carnival and The Tobago Culinary Festival 2013.] From goat races to the Emancipation Day Freedom Walk, the Tobago Heritage Festival offers activities for people of all ages, including food fairs, film screenings, theater productions, music concerts, public lectures, art exhibitions, contests, sports, games, parades, and more.

With more national holidays than almost any other country in the world highlighting the destination’s rich heritage, locals and visitors alike do not have to look very far a reason to celebrate. Colorful costumes, cultural festivities and culinary sensations are always found at island festivals, including the Tobago Heritage Festival, which began yesterday, running from July 12 through August 1, 2013.

Dedicated to preserving the traditions of the people in Tobago, the festival offers a chance to experience the dances, foods, and customs particular to each village in Tobago. Among the many events, the festival hosts the Miss Heritage Personality competition takes place on Friday July 19, at 8:00pm, at the Cyd Gray Sporting Complex Roxborough; a street parade on July 21 starting at 11:00am; the Heritage Calypso Monarch and Pan Folk-o-Rama the evening of July 26; J’Ouvert at 5:00am on July 27; the well-known goat race on July 28; and the famed Flambeau Procession on July 31. The festival culminates with the Emancipation Day Freedom Walk and the Freedom Concert on August 1.

For full schedule of events, see http://tobagoheritagefestival.com/index.php/calendar

Photo above from http://www.jayblessed.com/2012/07/04/planning-a-vacation-visit-tobago-for-tobago-heritage-festival/

For more information on Trinidad and Tobago visit www.goTrinidadandTobago.com or www.visittobago.gov.tt