Arima

August is the month for a second Carnival for all Arima residents and visitors when they celebrate the anniversary of Arima’s inauguration as a Royal Chartered Borough. There is music in the streets, and even masqueraders! It’s an event that is still growing and worth checking out.

I can’t say it’s not worth visiting…you can come see me! I live here! All jokes aside, Arima is a small town (though it is officially called a Royal Borough) but there are unique things you will not find anywhere in Trinidad and for that it is worth visiting! Arima is the birthplace of Aldwyn Roberts (Lord Kitchener) one of the most influential and talented calypsonians/lyricists of the 20th century. It is also the home of the last ancestors of the Caribs and the reigning Carib Queen. Cleaver Woods, Arima has a small but informative mini-museum-type display on the early settlers. The Carib Santa Rosa festival is also unique to Arima.
Annual Borough festival (like a second carnival) is in August. There are carnival parades that pass through the streets of Arima during Carnival Sunday, Monday and Tuesday so if you want a taste of what the capital city has without getting lost, (you can’t get lost in a small town like Arima) then Arima is the place to be!

During Advent/Christmas there are parang performances you can attend and in the pre-Carnival and Carnival season, there are always performances at the Arima Velodrome aka Arima Municipal Stadium. Arima even has a few nightclubs for those who love the nightlife.

For a true tropical experience, try a riverbath! There are several river access points fairly close to the town. For bird and nature lovers, the Asa Wright Nature Centre is a nature resort located in the Arima Valley of the Northern Range, just 10 miles from Arima.

Bear in mind, I don’t know all there is to know about my town…I readily and shamefully admit it…but I would be happy to find out more for anyone seeking information. Thanks for reading!