Trinidad and Tobago’s community of Spiritual/Shouter Baptists fought hard for the right to practice their religion without fear of imprisonment. Observed on March 30, with a public holiday, Spiritual Shouter Baptist Liberation Day commemorates the repeal of the 1917 Ordinance with prohibited the very vocal worship practices of the religious group.
Comprising elements of Protestant Christianity and African doctrines and rituals, the Spiritual/Shouter Baptist religion is indigenous to Trinidad and Tobago and symbolism plays an important role in the faith. The bell, sword, shepherd’s rod, candles and flags play important parts in many of the rituals. Members of the faith also wear special garb in various designs and colors. The individual’s colors are guided by messages received during spiritual journeys.
Coming in the midst of the Lenten season, Spiritual/Shouter Baptist Liberation Day, with its colorful processions, joyful singing, dancing, bell ringing and clapping, brings a welcome burst of exuberance to the islands.
For visitors, this is a perfect opportunity to enjoy a first-hand look at the traditions and practices of the religion in Trinidad and Tobago, for locals it is a much anticipated holiday and a chance to relax at the beach. Whether you’re a local or visitor, here are five tips to make the most of your Spiritual/Shouter Baptist holiday.
Attend a Spiritual/Shouter Baptist Service
There is nothing quite like being part of a Spiritual/Shouter Baptist prayer service. Spiritual/Shouter Baptist churches are located in almost every community and visitors are welcome to participate in worship sessions which are always filled with lusty singing, clapping and bell ringing. It is also common for worshipers to “speak in tongues” which refers to when worshipers are filled by a physical manifestation of the holy spirit. Adherents of the religion dress in special garb consisting of colorful head-ties (head coverings), long aprons, ankle-length skirts and cotton blouses for the women and long robes for the men. Visitors should note that women must cover their hair and shoulders in Spiritual/Shouter Baptist places of worship.
Join the procession
In 2014, the faithful will celebrate Spiritual/Shouter Baptist Liberation Day with worship at several venues across the nation. In Trinidad events will be hosted at the Queen’s Park Savannah, Port of Spain, Garazin Shouter and Baptist Church Ltd of Sangre Grande, Baptist Church Centre in Princes Town, Beth’aleel Fundamental Baptist Church in San Fernando, Bon Air Full Gospel Baptist Church in Mausica and Dickson’s Memorial Baptist Church in San Fernando. Following the services processions are held at various locations in memory of the struggle and eventual freedom to freely worship. With singing and clapping celebrants dressed in every color of the rainbow, it is a sight to behold.
Go with the flow at a river lime
While some use Spiritual/Shouter Baptist Liberation Day as a time for rest and reflection, others take to Trinidad’s many rivers, streams and waterways for a few hours of wet and wild fun. A river lime is uniquely Trinbagonian in nature and major elements of this activity include cooking over an open fire at the riverbank, music and large groups of family and friends. At the more popular rivers such as the Valencia River, Grande Riviere and Shark River it is advisable to get there early to claim the best spots.
Take to the waves in Tobago
What better way to enjoy a day off work than at the beach and Trinidad’s sister isle of Tobago has many sublime options to choose from. From soaking in the blue surf at Pigeon Point to stand-up paddle boarding and snorkeling at Buccoo Reef, Tobago offers a range of activities to keep you happily waterlogged. Stand-up paddle boarding and beach-front horseback riding are among the newest wet and wild adventures available to the island’s visitors who can also test their skills kite-boarding, open-water kayaking, windsurfing and diving.
Spend a night under the stars
Camping is not a new phenomenon in Trinidad and Tobago, but it has only recently begun to grow in popularity. And while there are few regulated camping sites that are available to campers year round, this has not stopped locals determined to get closer to nature. Groups of families often band together and set up camp sites at popular beaches and other attractions, however there are properties, such as Sangre Grande Agro Tourism that cater to campers. The benefits of utilizing a regulated camp ground are many and include security, washroom facilities, cooking facilities as well as tents.
To learn more visit www.gotrinidadandtobago.com
Trinidad & Tobago is a member of the International Coalition of Tourism Partners (ICTP) .
