Trini Carnival, there's nothing like it anywhere in the world. People come from all over the world and perhaps the true test of it is that one can argue that not only foreign visitors make the pilgrimmage back, but foreign-based Caribbean Nationals and Trinidadians come in droves. Why? Because if you want a party, or to immerse yourself in a culture, Trinidad Carnival is one of those festivals that really gets you in deep.  The Carnival season unofficially starts on Boxing day. Radios switch over to soca music and the vibe just builds from there. It's all a big lead in to Carnival Monday and Tuesday.  They usually move around date-wise but are the 2 days before Ash Wednesday on the Calendar. If you have the good fortune to be in Trinidad for a couple weeks leading in you'll be treated to parties of increasing intensity till the wee hours of the morning. You'll learn to jump and wave with the best of them because one thing about Carnival is it's a participation sport. And of course the 2 days of Carnival are the ultimate party in the streets of Port of Spain the capital.  The true 'mas experience is in a carnival band in costume, all inclusive, drinks and food running, and the pace is almost non-stop but the adrenaline, the vibe and your friends easily helps you coast along.  But it helps to be semi-fit and well hydrated. And yes, for some people they use alcohol to hydrate themselves through. Well that's a different story but totally up to you. Check out carnival if you can, highly recommended. Some pictures are here to show you what it's like.