分类： entertainment

The streets of Scarborough, Tobago, came alive on October 25 as thousands of revellers gathered for the vibrant J’Ouvert celebrations, marking the largest street festival of the still relatively new Tobago Carnival on the global calendar. The event, characterized by its infectious energy and colorful displays, saw a mix of locals, returning Trinbagonians from abroad, and international visitors joining in the festivities. The standout band, Fog Angels, led the parade, while spectators and participants alike reveled in the lively atmosphere. Despite the large presence of police and defense forces, the event maintained its reputation as a clean and safe celebration, with revellers freely taking command of the streets. Soca music blared from speakers, and foam-covered partygoers danced with unbridled joy. The event also featured unique moments, such as a mas player being towed in a wheelbarrow and others proudly waving their national flags. Tobago Carnival, though new to the global stage, has quickly established itself as a must-attend event, drawing thousands to its vibrant and inclusive celebrations.

Nicole Thomas-Clarke has emerged victorious at the Tobago October Carnival Calypso Monarch finals, held on October 23 in Scarborough. Her win has fueled her determination to secure a spot in the National Calypso Monarch finals next year. Thomas-Clarke, who scored 460 points and won the $100,000 first prize, performed her song ‘Sacrifice,’ which critiques society’s reluctance to work hard for their desires. ‘It is no longer by the sweat of thy brow, they want it now for now,’ she sang, emphasizing the theme of her performance. Dressed in a striking silver and white ensemble, she highlighted the need for genuine effort and sacrifice in achieving success. Thomas-Clarke, a loans officer at Republic Bank Ltd, attributed her victory to a collaborative team effort, ensuring that the presentation, music, and lyrics harmonized perfectly. She expressed optimism about the future of calypso, noting the strong interest shown by the 50 participants in the auditions. The event also saw notable performances from her siblings, Wendy Garrick and Dillon ‘Dilly Suede’ Thomas, who placed second and fourth, respectively. Garrick’s song ‘Family’ addressed the destructive forces of selfishness and greed within families, while Dilly Suede’s ‘One Man’s Trash Is Another Man’s Treasure’ resonated well with the audience. Other standout performers included Giselle ‘GG’ Fraser, who took third place with her social commentary ‘No Village Can’t,’ and Delanie Baynes, who placed fifth with ‘I Dare You,’ addressing recent socio-political issues. The competition, which featured a mix of seasoned and emerging calypsonians, tackled a variety of themes, from Tobago’s quest for autonomy to the importance of respecting the steelpan. The event concluded with performances by veteran calypsonians Lord Nelson, Benjai, Johnny King, Myron B, and King Unique, leaving the audience thoroughly entertained.

As the holiday season approaches, many are eager to dive into festive baking. Naomi Anderson, founder of Unicakery, shares a beginner-friendly recipe for eggless Christmas tree sugar cookies that are soft, buttery, and perfect for decorating. This recipe is ideal for those looking to create festive treats without the use of eggs, making it accessible to a wider audience.

To make the dough, you’ll need 3 cups of all-purpose flour, ¾ tsp of baking powder, ¼ tsp of salt, 1 cup of softened unsalted butter, 1 cup of granulated sugar, 2 tbsp of milk (with an optional extra tablespoon if needed), and 1 tsp of vanilla extract. Start by sifting the dry ingredients together. Cream the butter and sugar until fluffy, then add the milk and vanilla. Gradually mix in the dry ingredients until a soft dough forms. If the dough feels dry, add a bit more milk.

Once the dough is ready, divide it in half, wrap it, and refrigerate for at least an hour. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C), roll out the dough to ¼-inch thickness, and cut into Christmas tree shapes. Bake for 8-10 minutes until the edges are golden. Let the cookies cool before decorating with royal icing, sprinkles, or powdered sugar.

Naomi Anderson, a seasoned pastry chef with over 12 years of experience, founded Unicakery in Port of Spain, Trinidad & Tobago. Her studio offers workshops and classes, inspiring bakers of all levels to create beautiful desserts. Follow her on social media @unicakery or visit www.unicakery.com for more culinary inspiration.