The National Trust of Trinidad and Tobago successfully orchestrated an authentic cultural extravaganza at the historic Mille Fleurs Heritage House on November 29th. The event, titled “Ponche de Crème, Parang and Pan Celebration,” embodied the quintessential spirit of a traditional Trini Christmas through its harmonious fusion of heritage, music, and community engagement.
The celebration gained significant diplomatic and cultural prominence with the attendance of distinguished international guests. Geoffrey Ramsey, President of the Barbados National Trust, participated as part of ongoing initiatives to strengthen regional heritage collaborations. The event also welcomed Senator Darrell Allahar, Minister in the Office of the Prime Minister, alongside members of the diplomatic corps including Álvaro Sánchez Cordero, Ambassador of the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela.
The Venezuelan Embassy contributed substantially to the cultural tapestry of the evening by operating a dedicated booth where attendees savored authentic Venezuelan ponche de crème and traditional Christmas delicacies. This culinary exchange highlighted the shared cultural heritage between Venezuela and Trinidad and Tobago.
Gastronomic offerings extended beyond beverages, with patrons enjoying a curated selection of local cuisine throughout the evening. The Paramin food tent emerged as a particular highlight, featuring wild meat dishes that delivered an unmistakable local flavor to the experience.
The musical program featured exceptional performances that filled the historic venue with seasonal rhythms. Los Sonidos, Los Parranderos de UWI, Voces Jóvenes, and the renowned Desperadoes Steel Orchestra provided entertainment that captured the essential harmonies and warmth characteristic of Trinidad and Tobago’s Christmas traditions.
The National Trust acknowledged its partners and sponsors whose support made the event possible, including Massy Foundation, Desperadoes Steel Orchestra, NCC, WACK Radio 90.1 FM, M2 Marketing & Promotions, Venus Ponche de Crème, Hyatt Regency Trinidad, NFM, and the Venezuelan Embassy.