500 drones, silent fireworks to light up Trinidad's Independence celebrations

Trinidad and Tobago will mark its 64th anniversary of independence with a major celebration featuring approximately 500 synchronized drones, a military parade, cultural performances and silent fireworks.

The Independence Day activities will take place Monday at Queen’s Park Savannah in Port of Spain, with additional fireworks planned for San Fernando Hill.

This year’s celebrations, being held under the theme “One Service; One People; One Story,” will include a cultural procession, steelpan, calypso, soca, chutney, tassa and traditional Carnival characters.

The Independence Day parade has been relocated to an area north of the North Stand and Grand Stand, closer to President’s House. Chief of Defence Staff Commodore Don Polo said that despite the change in location, the military component of the annual parade will remain largely unchanged.

Police are expected to maintain a strong presence throughout the celebrations, with motorists being warned to expect road closures and traffic restrictions.

Deputy Commissioner of Police Suzette Martin said officers will focus on pedestrian movement, traffic management, crowd behavior, public order and the safe movement of participants and spectators.

“Our message is bring the flag, bring the pride, bring the culture and the energy, but leave the violence and unlawful behaviour behind,” Martin said.

Following the military parade, a cultural procession will begin at the Queen’s Hall parking lot before proceeding to the St. Ann’s roundabout and entering the parade route.

Ministry of Culture and Community Development communications strategist Jerome Lewis said the procession will include two decorated music trucks, a steel orchestra, traditional Carnival characters, tassa musicians, drummers, dancers and other cultural performers.

Later in the day, attention will turn to Queen’s Park Savannah for additional family and cultural activities.

A Kids Zone will open at 5 p.m., featuring recreational activities, traditional Carnival characters and youth-oriented cultural entertainment. The Independence Day cultural showcase will begin an hour later, featuring steelpan, calypso, soca, chutney, tassa, folk and theatrical performances.

The showcase will also pay tribute to generations of artists and cultural practitioners who have helped preserve and promote Trinidad and Tobago’s cultural traditions.

One of the biggest attractions will be a display featuring approximately 500 synchronized drones, followed by choreographed pyrotechnics and fireworks.

Officials said this year’s fireworks in both Port of Spain and San Fernando will be silent in an effort to reduce the impact of loud explosions on pets and nearby residents.

“We’re going to have choreographed pyrotechnics and a major fireworks display. And yes, we will be presenting silent fireworks to reduce the loud bangs and the impact on pets and people who may live nearby,” Lewis said.

He added that the displays will be coordinated with aviation, fire, security and other regulatory authorities.

Restricted areas will also be established around San Fernando Hill for public safety during the fireworks display.

Trinidad and Tobago gained independence from Britain on Aug. 31, 1962, and became a republic in 1976.