Tobago Day 2024 takes over New York City with steel pan rhythms, vibrant performances

Trinidad and Tobago: The annual Tobago Day 2024 took place in Times Square, New York City and attracted a huge crowd last week. The city was abuzz with the sounds of the steel pan as it brought the Caribbean spirit to one of the world’s most iconic locations.

The annual event, which aimed to spotlight the rich heritage of Tobago and engage the global diaspora feature a number of dynamic performances and cultural displays which captivated audiences across the city.

This significant event was also part of the global celebrations for the World Steelpan Day, a day which has been officially recognized by the UN to honour the steel pan which is the national instrument of Trinidad and Tobago.

Hundreds and thousands of people were seen gathering in crowds and joining the celebrations.

The event also featured special performances by Roxboro Police Youth Club and their performance was a mix of traditional dance and drumming. The club’s leader, ACP Hazel, outlined their commitment to motivating youth to promote the island’s culture.

Also, the Tobago Performing Arts Company – TPAC took the center stage as they displayed traditional dance and music. They performed belly dance showcasing indigenous art forms of Tobago and leaving the attendees stunned by the vibrant traditions.

Moreover, Harvest Gold provided the culinary delights to visitors who got a taste of Tobago’s signature dishes including aromatic stewed meat and flavorful seafood. The food was said to be a reminder of the island’s diverse cuisine.

Not only this, but the celebrations also featured Donnell Smith, a prominent business owner who showcased her innovative Tobago centric makeup line inspired by the island’s natural beauty and cultural essence. Her products were a hit among visitors eager to take a piece of Tobago home with them.

Furthermore, the Division of Tourism, culture, Antiquities and Transportation played a crucial role in the celebrations as they displaying vibrant paraphernalia and promoted Tobago’s upcoming carnival celebrations scheduled for October.

Their presence in New York showcased the island’s commitment to tourism and cultural exchange and invited the world to get a taste of highly anticipated carnival of Tobago first hand.