Carnival (or Mardi Gras) 2007 in the Caribbean

[Zanshin]

I just realized that I'm fortunate enough to be able to go pretty much anywhere in the Caribbean for this celebration.

Does anyone have recommendations? I've heard that the French islands are supposed to have the biggest events, but also that Trinidad & Tobago is great for this as well.

[eryka]

Trinidad bills itself as THE biggest, pull-out-all-the-stops Carnival in the islands. It's also inexpensive, English-speaking, the food is awesome, and a great place if you need boat work done. (We like Chaguramas (sp?)) Crime can be an issue so be alert.

Aruba claims second-biggest, with Carnival-related events from 3 Kings till Fat Tuesday (Queen beauty contests, various music competitions, etc). More expensive than T-dad, because more touristy, therefore English widely spoken. Fewer boat services. Anchor off Palm Beach and take the bus for about $1.25 US. Almost no significant crime.

The Puritans never landed here, which could be a good thing or bad, depending on your sensibilities. <*grin*>

[Zanshin]

eryka - thanks for the recommendations. I found Trinidad & Tobago references everywhere, the only down side might be that it is a longer trip down island than to Aruba. I'm from a city where "Karneval" is a major activity and no Puritans were ever knowingly let through the city gates (and were most likely unceremoniously thrown out once discovered) so I'm looking forward to seeing some Caribbean celebrations.

[camaraderie]

Zan...I don't really think Trini is further sailing than Aruba...especially if you have to sail back as well. Grenada is another option for Carnival but it is a bit more primitive there than Trini. One of the favorite songs is "mounds in the road" which is a reference to the lack of sanitation facilities for the crowds...ewwwwww!!

[Zanshin]

Camaraderie - you got me on that one! I was going to refute your assertion but when I whipped out my map to check the distance I noticed that I'd gotten "Antigua" and "Aruba" mixed up That would have been a navigational fiasco indeed!