In an unexpected cultural shift, Trinidad and Tobago has embraced an unconventional Christmas icon—the Grinch—with a surprising twist beneath the green costume. Across supermarkets, malls, and holiday events, this once-villainous character now draws larger crowds than traditional festive figures, thanks to an unlikely performer: 33-year-old San Fernando resident Ayanna.
By day, Ayanna balances roles as a wife, mother of two, and corporate manager. But when she dons the iconic green suit, she undergoes a complete transformation into Dr. Seuss’s mischievous creation. ‘As soon as I put the Grinch costume on, I become Mr. Grinch,’ revealed Ayanna, who maintains mystery by withholding her last name as part of her character’s allure.
Her journey into character performance began during her industrial chemistry studies at UWI, where mascot work provided extra income. However, her Grinch portrayal stems from personal inspiration—she’s a self-proclaimed superfan of Jim Carrey’s iconic performance. ‘I wanted to embody his attitude and comedic genius,’ she explained.
The art of Grinch portrayal requires meticulous preparation beyond mere costuming. Ayanna practices vocal modulation, develops mannerisms, and maintains physical conditioning for the demanding role. ‘I do practice runs imitating the voice, mannerisms, and unique style,’ she noted, adding that hydration and stretching are crucial for the physically intensive performances.
Maxwell Pusey of Fancy Events, Ayanna’s employer, confirmed the Grinch’s surging popularity. ‘We’ve seen a significant increase in demand compared to previous years,’ he stated, noting the character’s introduction to their Christmas lineup four years ago was strategically intentional. Social media amplification through shareable content has further propelled the trend.
The Grinch’s evolved perception—from villain to entertaining mischief-maker—has driven this popularity surge. Pusey emphasized that the character now represents ‘a unique mix of humour, surprise, and playful mischief’ that resonates across generations. Notably, clients increasingly book the Grinch alongside Santa Claus, creating a dynamic contrast that enhances event engagement.
Ayanna’s performances require nuanced crowd reading, particularly with children. ‘Not every child responds well to him,’ she acknowledged, describing how she adapts based on reactions. Her most meaningful moment involved an autistic child who clung to her character throughout an event—a touching demonstration of the role’s impact beyond entertainment.
The physical challenges include maintaining character integrity despite heat and restricted vision within the costume. Yet the greatest reward, Ayanna shared, is ‘being able to not be this serious individual that my day-to-day life requires’ and fulfilling her personal mission of creating ‘as much fun as possible.’
As Trinidad and Tobago embraces this nontraditional holiday figure, the Grinch has found permanent cultural footing—not replacing Santa, but complementing him with playful mischief and unforgettable memories.