The Trinidad Carnival, held on the Monday and Tuesday before Ash Wednesday, is the biggest event in this Caribbean island each year and said to be one of the best carnivals in the world. It’s roots date back to 1783, when the French arrived with their customs for celebrating between Christmas and Lent that excluded the African slaves. When slavery was abolished in 1838, the slaves took their carnival to the streets and it’s been evolving as the population diversifies ever since. The Trinidad Carnival begins at 4am, in total darkness, with the predawn party of J’Ouvert. The festivities continue throughout the day but the Monday is just the warm up for the following day of carnival parties, when thousands of masqueraders take to the streets for the parade. It’s worth noting the Trindad Carnival isn’t just held on these two days before Ash Wednesday, it’s really the whole season between Christmas and Lent, with plenty of celebrations to witness, or join in, on a Caribbean yacht charter.