Port of Spain; Easter Weekend is a highly anticipated time in Trinidad and Tobago. Trinis are known for their feteing and, although this time of year is significantly Holy, they are still able to add their own twist to the festivities. The weekend begins with rituals that have been observed for years and are being passed down from one generation to the next.
It actually starts on the Thursday, with what is known as Holy Thursday. On this day Triduum starts, it is the begining of the liturgy which is observed by Catholics and signifies the start of a three-day period that Christ was in the tomb. The is commemorated by a church service on that night where the washing of the feet takes place. For those who do not observe this practice it's considered "night before the holiday" which is good reason to party, have a good time with some alcohol and food, and hang out.
On Good Friday morning, Catholics observe the crucifixion and the 12 stations of the cross which are re-enacted. This has become more life-like over the years. The traditional hot cross buns, which is a slightly sweet bun consisting of dried fruits and flavored essence with a white cross at the top to signify Christ dying on the cross, are consumed on the Friday and is indeed a hot seller at bakeries throughout the country. Next they have the "Good Friday Bobolee," this is an effigy of Judas Iscariot. They construct a man using pieces of wood and stuffing and then place clothes on him to depict any individual that might have deceived them. They then proceed to beat the bobolee until it is dismantled. People look on and have a fun time while doing so, some even get involved in the beating.
Another observance is the Siparee Mai which is also celebrated by Catholics but also includes Hindus. Individuals come out in their numbers to pay homage to a statue of La Divina Pastora, they offer up money, prayers and various other gifts to the statue as a form of their faith. On this occasion, many children also receive their first haircut which is in itself a tradition. Hindus believe when boys have their hair cut on Good Friday they grow up to be strong healthy men.
Glorious Saturday is meant to be a day of fasting and signifies the last day of the holy week. Trinis however, hardly observe this tradition, they would often set out to the beaches and hang out with friends or prepare meals or just eat leftovers from Good Friday. On Saturday night several parties would be held signifying the end of the Lenten period.
As Easter Sunday approaches, the Catholics would have been in church attending service and awaiting the Easter Resurrection. This would also be the end of the Triduum. This is a day of feasting where everyone throughout the island prepare large meals consisting of a variety of dishes. Families often come together and celebrate on this day, they have fun and are free to consume alcohol and express themselves after having suppressed this behaviour for 40 days.
Lastly there is Easter Monday, it is a day of rest for many as they prepare to return to work next day, others opt to go to the country's beaches and just relax. Barring all these activities several people choose to leave the country or just go over to the sister isle. Usually during Easter weekend there are no tickets available to go to Tobago because they are all booked in advance. All guest houses and hotels are filled to capacity. Tobagonians are known for cooking delicious meals and keeping festive celebrations and have kept tradition alive by holding parties on the various beaches and their famous goat race. For the ones who just want to relax, it is a peaceful and calming place where you can just sit back and become one with nature.
Although a large majority of the citizens observe the religious part of the weekend, several people look forward to the time to break loose from work and the stresses associated with life's responsibilities. However they choose to celebrate it, Easter is a unique, pleasurable time in Trinidad and Tobago.
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