Trinidad and Tobago Emancipation Day

Trinidad and Tobago Emancipation Day

August 1Since 1985, August 1 has been celebrated in Trinidad and Tobago as Emancipation Day, rather than Columbus Discovery Day, as in former years. Slavery was abolished in 1833 throughout the British Empire, and eventually slaves in the colony of Trinidad and Tobago were freed. The day begins with an all-night vigil and includes religious services, cultural events, processions past historic landmarks, addresses by dignitaries, and an evening of shows with a torchlight procession to the National Stadium.
CONTACTS:
National Library and Information System Authority of Trinidad and Tobago
National Library Bldg., Hart and Abercromby St.
Port-of-Spain, Trinidad and Tobago
868-623-6962; fax: 868-625-6096
www.nalis.gov.tt
Ministry of Tourism, Trinidad and Tobago Government
51-55 Frederick St.
Port-of-Spain, Trinidad and Tobago
868-624-1403; fax: 868-625-0437
www.tourism.gov.tt
SOURCES:
AnnivHol-2000, p. 128