No Fetes Allowed for Trinidad and Tobago Carnival

One of of the mainstays of Trinidad and Tobago Carnival is its epic fetes. Partygoers look forward in anticipation to these annual parties as part of the whole Carnival experience. This will all be different this year. Fetes, parties and similar type events by any other name will not be allowed for Trinidad and Tobago Carnival 2022 following Public Health guidance and regulations on account of the nature of these activities and the risk they pose to the increased spread of the COVID-19 virus.

All performance spaces will be made available for booking events at very affordable rates.

This was announced further to a process of consultation with stakeholders which began back in October 2021, where they have agreed to the hosting of limited Carnival activities for Carnival 2022 and events on the condition that:

  1. Carnival activities be held in predetermined, pre-approved, safe zone type venues
  2. All participants be fully vaccinated (staff, patrons, service providers, artistes and other cultural workers).
  3. That mask wearing and other COVID-19 type precautionary measures be followed.

Subsequent to this, the Prime Minister announced on November 25, 2021 that Carnival will be held in 2022, albeit a limited fashion. Further consultations were then held with Carnival stakeholders and comments received from the Ministry of Health giving a better understanding of the level of vaccination, infections and hospitalizations so as to assist in determining the types of events  that are possible.

Hopeful Restart to Events and Entertainment Industry

On January 19, 2022, another Carnival Working Group meeting was convened to determine the specific events that will be held and a calendar of events is being developed.

Senator the Honourable Randall Mitchell, Minister of Tourism, Culture and the Arts stated “this move represents a first step in restarting the events sector. Given the economic importance of Carnival, we felt it was necessary to consider what was possible, and what events can be had safely. We look forward to the development of a calendar of events and its subsequent marketing so that we can all have a safe taste of the Carnival that is truly a part of all of us.”

Minister Randall continued, “while we remain committed to safely restarting the events and entertainment sector, we must consider the global scenario which is that Trinidad and Tobago, like the rest of the world are in the midst of a global pandemic which continues to evolve with new variants being detected causing health organisations worldwide to quickly adapt and change strategies.

Carnival in Trinidad and Tobago was cancelled in 2021 due to the current pandemic.

Thinking about traveling to experience Trinidad and Tobago Carnival 2022? Be sure to check our Caribbean Travel Requirements COVID-19 updates for the latest requirements for travel to Trinidad and Tobago as well as other Caribbean countries including Jamaica, Barbados, Bahamas and Aruba.