Trinidad is the largest of over 23 islands which make up the country of Trinidad and Tobago. Trinidad derives its name from the Spanish word for “Trinity”.
Arawak and Carib Indians were the first to inhabit the island before Columbus arrived on the island and named it for the Holy Trinity. It took almost 100 years before a community was really established in Trinidad after it had been discovered by Christopher Columbus. Sir Walter Raleigh was also one of those to visit the location.
Trinidad was predominantly a Spanish treaty with an influx of French planters in 1783 but in 1797 the British took over Trinidad and negotiated a treaty with the Spanish. Africans were brought to work on the plantations and the island became a full British colony in 1802.
Trinidad became adjoined to Tobago in 1889 to form an administrative ward for the British. It was in 1962 the two islands finally achieved independence and became the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago.
Major Cities/ Towns
The Port of Spain is the capital of Trinidad and Tobago but it is only the third largest city. Chaguanas and San Fernando are first and second in terms of size. The city is also the retail and administrative centre of the island. It is home to two of the largest banks in the Caribbean.
Chaguanas is the largest as well as the fastest growing city in Trinidad and Tobago. It is located about 18 miles from the Port of Spain; it was a minor town in the past until the 1980’s when it started to expand rather rapidly. It is also the birth place of Nobel Prize winner V.S Naipaul.
San Fernando is the second largest city in Trinidad and Tobago. It has been home to a number of prominent citizens of the country including a number of past presidents and a professional PGA golfer as well.
Things to Do
February is the period for the annual Trinidad Carnival; you can frequent the events and enjoy a selection of music and dance from Trinidad and Tobago, including Soca and Calypso. When the party is over there are a number of other things that you can do as well and you can further enjoy the music by visiting a number of clubs in Trinidad’s major cities.
If you’re into watching wildlife, perhaps you can take the time out to view some of the wildlife of the Caribbean. Endangered species of turtle can be seen in protected beach locations coming ashore to lay their eggs. You can learn a lot about turtle and wildlife conservation this way.
If you’re into cruises you can easily partake in one which makes Trinidad one of its stops or its point of departure. A number of outlets offer tours for cruise ship passengers which showcase the best of life in Trinidad.
Yachting is also popular in the waters around the Island. You can easily find yachts for hire or alternatively if you arrive by sea with one of your own, you’ll be welcome in Trinidad.
Weather
The temperatures in Trinidad are tropical and they range from moderate to hot only varying slightly for the rest of the year. Like most other islands in its location, the climate is controlled by the north-eastern tradewinds which regulate temperature in the region of 84 F in the daytime. This temperature later drops to about 72 F at night, Tobago is slightly cooler than Trinidad due to its location with respect to the direction of the tradewinds.
Temperatures rarely exceed the 90 F mark or go below the 70 F mark, so visitors to Trinidad should keep their expectations as well as plans for clothing in line with this temperature range.