Trinidad and Tobago’s Carnival is more than just a festival—it is a living testament to resilience, cultural expression, and artistic brilliance. With its origins deeply embedded in the defiance of enslaved Africans and the traditions of indentured servants, the annual celebration serves as a vibrant reflection of the nation’s history. In an exclusive interview with BET.com, Minister of Tourism, Culture, and the Arts, Senator the Honourable Randall Mitchell, elaborates on the government's efforts to balance historical preservation with modern innovation while ensuring that the spirit of Carnival remains true to its origins.

"Where we come from is the foundation of who we are as a people. To remember our ancestors is an honor," says Minister Mitchell. "For those who arrived on our shores due to the Transatlantic Slave Trade, as indentured servants, or in any other forcible way, Carnival serves as a reminder of their resilience and triumph."

To ensure these narratives remain central to the celebration, the government actively supports events of national significance, including the Kambulé Riots Re-Enactment. "This annual event is an important tribute to the defiance of our ancestors," he explains. "Through storytelling and performance, we keep the memory of their fight for freedom alive."

The government also fosters traditions such as Stickfighting, rooted in the Kalinda martial art. "Kalinda embodies the warrior spirit of our forebears, and today, it thrives in our gayelles," says Mitchell. "It is one of the oldest traditions that still connects us to our African ancestry."

Additionally, competitions like the King and Queen of Carnival and the Calypso Monarch showcase the creativity and storytelling traditions of the past. "Calypso has always been a voice for the people," he notes. "It was the griots and chantuelles who used this art form to challenge authority and tell the stories of their communities. That legacy continues today."

The Kambulé reenactment has become one of the most significant aspects of Carnival, symbolizing the defiance of enslaved Africans. "Kambulé is a living tribute to the resilience of our ancestors," Minister Mitchell states. "It’s more than just a performance; it’s a historical retelling that reminds us of the sacrifices made for our freedoms today."

The government provides financial and logistical support to sustain this tradition. "We ensure that venues are secured, safety is prioritized, and partnerships with cultural organizations are maintained," he adds. "We must invest in these traditions so that future generations can understand and appreciate their significance."

Similarly, Stickfighting has gained global recognition, with increased participation and visibility. "This year, we expanded the National Stickfighting Competition, adding more preliminary rounds to engage communities at the grassroots level," he shares. "The finals, held at Skinner Park in San Fernando, were a spectacle, with the top stickfighter receiving a grand prize of TTD$30,000."

With Carnival constantly evolving, some worry that commercialization may overshadow its historical roots. Minister Mitchell reassures that the government is mindful of maintaining a balance between cultural preservation and modern innovation. "Carnival is a living celebration—it must evolve while still honoring the past," he says. "We’ve invested in initiatives like the Trinidad and Tobago Carnival Museum, which blends physical and digital exhibits to document our heritage."

Technological advancements are also shaping Carnival’s future. "From digital costume design tools preserving traditional craftsmanship like wire-bending to metaverse experiences broadening Carnival’s global reach, we are ensuring that our traditions stay relevant in a modern world," Mitchell explains.

Trinidad and Tobago is often referred to as The Mecca of Carnival, influencing festivals worldwide. "Our Carnival is the gold standard, and we take great pride in ensuring it remains so," says Mitchell. "We do this by championing our traditional mas characters—Dame Lorraine, Jab Molassie, and the Midnight Robber—while embracing modern elements in music and design."

The World Steelpan Festival, launched in 2024, further solidifies Trinidad’s cultural leadership. "The steelpan is the only acoustic instrument invented in the 20th century, and it defines our national identity," Mitchell states. "This festival, themed From Roots to Recognition: Steelpan’s Journey to Global Acclaim, is amplifying our instrument’s presence on the world stage."

Additionally, the steelpan’s growing prominence has been reflected in national symbols. "We recently updated our Coat of Arms, replacing Columbus’ three ships with the steelpan," Mitchell reveals. "It also now features on the new TT$100 bill, a proud moment in our history."

As more international revelers participate, the government is ensuring that they understand and appreciate Carnival’s deeper significance. "The story we want to tell is that Carnival is more than just revelry; it is a story of resilience and freedom," Minister Mitchell emphasizes. "Through curated experiences like our traditional mas celebrations and national Panorama competition, we give visitors a deeper connection to our past."

Educating young Trinidadians is just as critical. "We’ve integrated Carnival’s history into our school curriculums," he says. "By teaching the significance of our traditions early, we instill a lifelong appreciation that ensures Carnival’s legacy endures."

In the digital age, social media serves as a crucial educational tool. "Platforms like Instagram and TikTok allow us to share the behind-the-scenes craftsmanship of mas, live storytelling from cultural icons, and interactive experiences that bring our history to life," Mitchell explains. "These digital griots ensure that our traditions remain at the heart of Trinidad Carnival, even as it is shared with the world."

With strong government support, community involvement, and a commitment to both tradition and innovation, Trinidad and Tobago’s Carnival continues to stand as a beacon of cultural excellence.

"Carnival is more than a festival—it is a movement, a statement, and a legacy," Minister Mitchell concludes. "By preserving our past while embracing the future, we ensure that the heart of Trinidad Carnival remains authentic, ever-inspiring, and forever ours."