Trinidad and Tobago
The Caribbean islands of Trinidad and Tobago celebrate Mardi Gras with parades and festivals that are centered around the Calypso. These two islands on the northern coast of Venezuela have a two-day celebration leading up to Ash Wednesday that is filled with music, costumes, and the battle of the Calypso bands.
Calypso bands, dressed in costumes, compete for the honor of being named Calypso Monarch. Celebrations open with J’ouvert, which is French for “day opens.” On this day people cover themselves in oil, mud, and paint. They dance for hours to Soca rhythms.