Carnival 2022 is on, albeit in a different fashion, in keeping with the Public Health Regulations.

The final decision to hold Safe Zone events comes after months of consultation between government and industry stakeholders.

Minister of Tourism, Culture and the Arts, Randall Mitchell, said, “This move represents a first step in restarting the events sector.  Given the economic importance of Carnival, we felt it was necessary to consider what was possible, and what events can be had safely. We look forward to the development of a calendar of events and its subsequent marketing so that we can all have a safe taste of the Carnival that is truly a part of all of us.” 

He continued, “While we remain committed to safely restarting the events and entertainment sector, we must consider the global scenario which is that Trinidad and Tobago like the rest of the world are in the midst of a global pandemic which continues to evolve with new variants being detected causing health organisations worldwide to quickly adapt and change strategies.”

Government will permit events such as soca and calypso concerts, Carnival theatre, steelband shows and Carnival King and Queen shows.

Fetes and other parties, however are banned and all events must be held at 50% capacity, with controlled entry and exit points and proper sanitization stations.

“While PCR testing of patrons was considered as a form of risk mitigation, it was not deemed realistic as the cost per test per patron would be uneconomical,” A statement from the Tourism and Culture Ministry said.