Canboulay Re-enactment in South for the first time

The “Re enactment of the Canboulay Riots 2010” will take place in both north and south Trinidad this year. This means that for the first time, people outside of Port of Spain will get the opportunity to experience this symbolic ceremony, which marks the very beginning of Carnival.

The first is carded for Thursday, at 5:00 am on Coffee Street, San Fernando (Corner of Howard Lane and Hillside Street – Next to Skiffle Bunch Pan Theatre). The second will be held at the Piccadilly Greens, Port of Spain on Friday February 12, 2010 at 5:00 am.

The Honourable Marlene Mc Donald, Minister of Community Development, Culture and Gender Affairs is expected to deliver the feature address on both days.


Canboulay, or “Cannes Brulees” means “burning cane” and this commemorated the putting out of cane fires during slavery. After slavery, it became one of the important and deep-rooted festivals of the black people and was marked by ribald dancing and the lighted flambeaus carried in the street.

The police always opposed this with vigour, claiming that the lighted flambeaus could burn down the town. But the people, who always regarded the police as oppressors, resisted bitterly until they eventually claimed the right to celebrate Carnival as they thought fit.


CREDITS: Story compiled by Nicola Joseph Photo by: tillahwillah

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