Below is a brief overview of the contributions made to Trinidad and Tobago by various cultural
groups in the areas of food, music, dance, religion, clothing, festivals, and notable places.
1. Amerindians
Food: Traditional dishes using cassava, maize, and local fish.
Music/Dance: Indigenous songs and dances, such as Matapee, Mari-Mari, Baboon, and Galeron,
often featuring nature and spirituality.
Religion: Spiritual beliefs tied to nature and ancestral respect such as Monotheistic, Polytheistic,
Henotheistic, Animistic, Shamanistic, Pantheistic or any combination thereof
Clothing: Made from natural fibers and animal hides such leggings; breechclout, or simple short-
like coverings. Leather shoes, known as moccasins
Festivals: Celebrations of harvest and ancestral events.
Places: The Caroni Swamp, places reflecting Amerindian names.
2. African
Food: Influences seen in dishes like callaloo, Pelau.
Music/Dance: Introduced Calypso and Soca music; traditional dances like the Limbo and African
drumming.
Religion: Development of Spiritual Baptist and Orisha (African diasporic religions).
Clothing: Bright, colorful garments reflected in Kwanzaa celebrations.
Festivals: Emancipation Day and Carnival.
Places: Laventille and Port of Spain (cultural hubs).
3. East Indians
Food: Biryani, roti, and curry dishes are staples.
Music/Dance: Introduction of Chutney music and dance, blending Indian and local styles.
Religion: Hinduism and Islam, with various festivals like Diwali and Eid.
Clothing: Traditional saris and kurtas.
Festivals: Holi and Diwali celebrations.
Places: Little India in Chaguanas, temples throughout the country.
4. Chinese
Food: Popular dishes include fried rice, sweet and sour pork, and dim sum.
Music/Dance: Lunar New Year celebrations featuring traditional Chinese lion dances.
Religion: Buddhism and Taoism, with temples for worship.
Clothing: Cheongsam for women and traditional outfits for festivities.
Festivals: Chinese New Year, celebrated with local flair.
Places: Chinatown in Port of Spain.
5. Spanish
Food: Influences in local dishes, empanadas, pastelles.
Music/Dance: Introduction Flemenco, Parang
Religion: Catholicism introduced, with many churches established.
Clothing: Adoption of certain traditional garments seen in heritage festivals.
Festivals: Christmas traditions rooted in Spanish customs.
Places: San Fernando (named after St. Ferdinand) and Santa Rosa.
6. British
Food: Incorporation of tea culture and pastries.
Music/Dance: Introduction of classical music influences and later, calypso hybrids.
Religion: Protestantism and development of various Christian denominations.
Clothing: Western-style clothing became mainstream, the bowler hat, brogues
Festivals: Easter and Christmas festivities influenced by British customs.
Places: Queen’s Park Savannah and Port of Spain’s colonial architecture.
7. French
Food: Influence in fine dining and pastry, callalloo,
Music/Dance: Introduction of dance forms like the Waltz; influence on Calypso.
Religion: Catholicism with significant French celebration traditions, particularly in rural areas.
Clothing: Influences seen in fashion and historical dress like embroidered waistcoats (vests), and
short jacket
Festivals: Festivals and events celebrating Creole culture and French heritage.
Places: Pointe-a-Pierre and areas with French surnames reflecting settlement.
8. Syrians
Food: Contributions include shawarma, kebabs, and various Middle Eastern dishes.
Music/Dance: Introduced elements of Arabic music, particularly during cultural festivals, and
Dabke dance
Religion: The establishment of Orthodox Christian communities.
Clothing: Traditional Middle Eastern dress often associated with cultural events.
Festivals: Observances of Easter and Christmas, celebrated distinctly within communities.
Places: Certain neighborhoods in Port of Spain reflect Syrian influence, like Marine Square and
George, Duke, Duncan and Charlotte Streets
