Featured image: Trinidad and Tobago offers a wonderful mix of culture and beautiful landscapes | Photo by wirestock on Envato

Women as Stewards of Trinidadian Culture

by Dawn Booker

When I travel, I seek places rich in history and culture, offering more than just a typical sun-and-sand vacation. All-inclusive beachfront resorts with commercialized tourism and Caribbean islands don’t usually fit the bill. However, Trinidad defies those expectations, offering diverse experiences and vibrant local traditions. On a recent trip, I was captivated by Trinidad’s beauty and diversity and the significant role women play as custodians of tradition, food, and hospitality.

In Trinidad, women are the faithful stewards of Trinidadian culture, offering visitors a genuine connection to the island’s heart and soul. From Aunty Julia’s traditional breakfast to Adelta Pierre’s creation of Trinidad’s treasured bake and shark sandwich, women lead with an entrepreneurial spirit and a deep reverence for their heritage. The sisters of Café Mariposa exemplify how women are shaping sustainable tourism in Lopinot, ensuring that Trinidad’s traditions are preserved and celebrated.

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Exploring Paramin: Women-led culinary traditions

My first day in Trinidad began with a brief tour of Port of Spain, exploring the city’s historic district and landmarks like Stollmeyer’s Castle and the Red House. From there, we ventured into the steep, mountainous Northern Range, where our guide, Ms Podesta Constantine, expertly navigated the narrow roads leading us from the bustling city to the serene hills of Paramin. We were welcomed into Aunty Julia’s home for a traditional breakfast of coconut bake and saltfish while she shared stories of her family’s culinary traditions.

Our drive continued to La Vigie Paramin lookout, which offers stunning views of the Caribbean Sea. Later, we enjoyed a Trinidadian Sunday lunch at La Belle Vie Café, prepared by Chef Allison Phillip, who blended local culinary traditions with her passion for excellence. The day concluded with a visit to Our Lady of Guadeloupe Roman Catholic Church, a spiritual landmark maintained by the women of Paramin. Each of these women offered us a glimpse into the rich legacy of local customs and traditions preserved through their dedication.

Celebrating Trinidad’s independence at Maracas Bay

Trinidadians love celebrations, and the Independence Day Parade on August 31 is no exception. The streets of Port of Spain were filled with vibrant music, colourful marching bands, and cultural performances, celebrating Trinidad’s independence from Britain. After the parade, we made the 40-minute drive through the mountains to Maracas Bay Beach to continue the celebration by the Sea.

Maracas Bay Beach is known for its beauty and is popular with both locals and tourists. It is special in Trinidad’s culinary history as the birthplace of bake and shark. Over 50 years ago, Adelta Pierre, a local woman, created this iconic dish to feed her eight children, using discarded shark and shark meat from fishermen. Her recipe quickly gained fame, and today, her son Michael Pierre, known as Uncle Sam, continues her legacy at Uncle Sam’s Shark and Bake restaurant at Maracas Beach.

Exploring Hindu Culture and the Caroni Bird Sanctuary

Trinidad’s rich Hindu culture is beautifully represented at the Temple in the Sea and the towering Hanuman Murti. The Temple in the Sea, located near Waterloo, symbolizes resilience and faith, having been built by indentured labourers. Standing 85 feet tall, the Hanuman Murti offers a glimpse into Trinidad’s strong Indo-Trinidadian heritage. Our visit was even more special as we witnessed a sacred Hindu funeral ceremony on the banks of the Gulf of Paria.

The highlight of my trip was the visit to the Caroni Bird Sanctuary. As we sailed through the Caroni Swamp at sunset, the arrival of the scarlet ibis, Trinidad’s national bird, was breathtaking. With its brilliant red feathers, the ibis was a striking sight against the setting sun. Our group enjoyed a traditional Trinidadian meal served on elegant china with wine, perfect for the serene surroundings. Find tickets here!

Sustainable Tourism in Lopinot

On a rainy day, we travelled to Lopinot, a village famous for its agricultural roots and cultural traditions. At the heart of the town is Café Mariposa.

If you’re looking for a Caribbean destination beyond the typical resort vacation, Trinidad offers an authentic and diverse experience where you can immerse yourself in rich cultural traditions, savour unique local cuisine, and witness breathtaking natural beauty.

Disclaimer: I was a guest of Visit Trinidad with other travel writers. Our tour of Trinidad was curated and led by Banwari Experience Tour Company’s owner and founder Andrew Welch.

Planning your trip to Trinidad

How to get there

Travelling to Trinidad begins with a flight to Piarco International Airport (POS) near Port of Spain. From Texas, flights range from 6 to 10 hours depending on connections, while Florida offers quicker options, with direct flights from Miami taking about 4 hours. Once there, visitors will find a destination rich in culture, history, and natural beauty.

Click here to check for flights.

Where to stay

We stayed at the Hyatt Regency Trinidad, located in Port of Spain, the Hyatt offers luxurious accommodations with waterfront views, multiple dining options, a rooftop infinity pool, and a full-service spa. It’s ideal for both business and leisure travellers, providing modern amenities and authentic Caribbean hospitality.

Another option for accommodation in Trinidad is the Hilton Trinidad & Conference Centre. This is a modern hotel located on Lady Young Road in Port of Spain, Trinidad and Tobago. Situated on a hilltop, it offers panoramic views of the cityscape and the lush Northern Range mountains.

The BRIX, Marriott Autograph Collection, in Port of Spain, blends modern luxury with Caribbean charm. It features elegant rooms, rooftop dining, a pool, and a fitness center. Guests enjoy panoramic views, exceptional cuisine, and proximity to attractions like the Botanic Gardens and Maracas Beach, perfect for both leisure and business stays.

Click here to find the perfect place to stay.

Local Foods to Try in Trinidad

Trinidad’s culinary scene is a vibrant fusion of African, Indian, and Creole influences, offering bold flavours, rich spices, and unique dishes that reflect the island’s diverse cultural heritage.

• Doubles – Soft flatbreads (bara) filled with spiced chickpeas (channa).
• Bake and Shark – Fried flatbread with seasoned shark and toppings.
• Pelau – One-pot rice dish with chicken, pigeon peas, and caramelized sugar.
• Roti – Flatbread stuffed with curried meats or vegetables.
• Callaloo – Creamy stew of dasheen leaves, okra, and coconut milk.
• Black Pudding – Spiced blood sausage often served with hops bread.
• Pastelles – Cornmeal pies filled with spiced meat or vegetables.
• Curry Crab and Dumplings – Curried crab served with soft-boiled dumplings.
• Pholourie – Fried split pea dough balls with tamarind sauce.

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