PORT-OF-SPAIN, Trinidad (AP) — Trinidad and Tobago faced a significant shutdown on Tuesday as it approached the peak of its famous annual two-day carnival. Dubbed "the greatest show on Earth," this year’s event grappled with the rising costs that have left many residents unable to afford participation in the festive celebrations.
Premium tickets for parties during the carnival were priced at nearly $700, while costumes in one popular masquerade band exceeded $2,000. The increasing costs have particularly affected residents from lower-income backgrounds, prompting teachers and musicians to find creative solutions to make the carnival more accessible.
Joshua Lamorelle, who teaches stilt walking for free in impoverished communities, is among those striving to offer opportunities to children who might otherwise be excluded from the festivities due to financial constraints. “It gives the kids an opportunity to be a part of something that is very hard for them to afford,” Lamorelle stated. As the junior parade approached, he provided last-minute coaching to students, including 11-year-old Kanye Simmons, who expressed his enthusiasm for stilt walking and education.
His mother, Chrisann Clarke, shared her gratitude for Lamorelle’s efforts, noting that the financial burden of parade participation had been alleviated for her family. “Most parents are unable to afford it,” she explained, highlighting the necessity of such initiatives in the face of rising prices.
Carnival in Trinidad and Tobago typically occurs on the two days preceding Ash Wednesday, known as Carnival Monday and Tuesday. While not officially recognized as national holidays, the festival draws tens of thousands who don elaborate costumes for the street parade. The carnival's origins trace back to the 18th century, with French settlers bringing festivities to the islands while prohibiting African slaves from joining in. Over time, formerly enslaved Africans resisted attempts to suppress the celebrations, leading to the evolution of Carnival into a significant cultural event today that substantially contributes to the economy.
This year, amidst soaring ticket and costume prices, soca music artist Kimba Sorzano devised an innovative promotional strategy for his music. He offered free rides on his minibus, dubbed a "maxi taxi," to passengers who agreed to listen to his music throughout the trip. This initiative proved popular, leading local fast food restaurants to collaborate by providing free breakfast to passengers. Sorzano remarked, “Some people got priced out of the carnival, but at the same time we are the carnival,” asserting that the real essence of the event resides in the hearts of Trinidadians and Tobagonians.
Similarly, fellow performer Patrice Roberts organized a free soca concert in late January, attracting over 10,000 attendees. Acknowledging the financial difficulties faced by some families, Roberts emphasized her intent to make the carnival accessible for all: “This is for all the faithful fans, families, and for anyone who still wants to feel the magic.”
Lamorelle’s commitment to promoting Trinidad and Tobago's culture included forming a carnival masquerade band for children, funded largely from his own pocket, with assistance from a few sponsors. This initiative presents a rare chance for the youth in a country of approximately 1.4 million, where the unemployment rate recently climbed to 4.8% in the third quarter of 2025, up from 3.8% in the previous quarter, according to government data.
The government has instituted new taxes and increased certain fees since assuming office in April, contributing to rising consumer prices and job losses. Some business owners have reported being forced to close their shops due to these economic pressures. Lamorelle enjoys significant community support in Valencia, a small town in northeast Trinidad, with locals recognizing his efforts to occupy children positively and encourage their cultural engagement. Nakita De Verteuil, a community member, stated, “He’s doing wonderful work in the community because he has the children more occupied than just loitering and doing nonsense.”
Seventeen-year-old Josiah De Verteuil, who participated in the carnival dressed as a “midnight robber” on stilts, views Lamorelle as a mentor. He described him as “a very lovable person” and an exceptional influence for children. Through such initiatives, Lamorelle and other community members are striving to preserve the spirit of the carnival and ensure that its cultural significance remains accessible to all.
