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Every February Trinidad is awash with colour as the world-famous Trinidad Carnival gets into swing.

The event takes place in mid-February and lasts for an entire week, offering people taking a holiday in Trinidad the chance to get involved in the country's biggest party.

Organisers claim Trinidad Carnival is like no other in the world and it is said to be the oldest definitive street party around.

Festivities begin on 15 February with calypso music, garish and colourful costumes and a party atmosphere that has been present for one week a year since the 18th century.

French settlers brought carnival to Trinidad, but the event took a different twist following the emancipation of the ex-slaves, who changed it from a genteel affair into a frenzied street party.

The first Monday of carnival is named J'ouvert, translated as Opening of Day, and locals claim this to be the greatest show on earth.

Thousands of dancers take to the streets in their costumes, with bands and other revellers joining them to walk, run, skip or dance along a pre-planned route.

Carnival comes to an end on 20 February in 2007, with a huge party which takes place on the streets of the country's capital Port of Spain.

Once the party is over, many visitors take the short flight to neighbouring Tobago, where tranquillity is in abundance.

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