‘Mud, Mas, Music’ - Tobago’s October Carnival Returns With Bigger Budget
With just over one month to go, Tobago’s 2025 October Carnival has been launched.
On Wednesday, the festival was unveiled at the Comfort Inn and Suites in Scarborough.
« Mud, Mas, Music » is the theme of the 2025 Tobago October Carnival, and according to Secretary of Tourism, Culture, Antiquities & Transport, Tashia Burris, the festival is being held at a cost of just under $12 million.
« That increase over last year, because last year’s budget was about $8.5 million, is attributed to the addition of the Pan Omega, which is our version of a Tobago Panorama, and the prizes to accommodate that is what accounts for the increase, but generally the budget in terms of the infrastructure and all of these things remains the same as last year. »
Secretary Burris said that this year a grant programme is being introduced to support Tobago’s creatives involved in Carnival.
« We are making $2 million immediately available to support these entrepreneurs in time for this event. Grants of up to $30,000 will be made available to businesses that qualify, as well as a loan component with a ceiling of up to $250,000. »
This year’s festival will also see new features. According to the Chief Executive Officer of the Tobago Festivals Commission, Kern Cowan, augmented reality will be explored, and an immersive experience is being promoted.
« The art zone features the face of the Tobago Carnival. An abstract work displaying a kaleidoscope with portrayals of vibrance, energy, and festivity. This zone will be recreated across the Tobago Carnival season and be a feature at every element of the festival, allowing patrons also to be a part of the celebration and creating their own keepsakes representing our products. »
Officials noted that strategic marketing of Tobago’s October Carnival was executed in Times Square, New York, CARIFESTA in Barbados, and the recently held Toronto Festival, which resulted in increased interest in the island’s festival.
