A kids’ guide to Port of Spain, the capital of Trinidad and Tobago

This kids’ guide to Port of Spain is for children who want to explore the world in English! It’s great for native speakers and for learners of English as a second or foreign language (ESL/EFL). You’ll practise reading and comprehension, learn useful new words, and discover fun facts about Port of Spain, a colourful Caribbean capital full of music, culture, and Carnival. Written by Sinéad O’Carroll, an EFL teacher and writer.

An introduction to Port of Spain

Port of Spain is the capital of Trinidad and Tobago, a two-island country in the Caribbean. It sits on the island of Trinidad, near the coast of Venezuela in South America. With tall buildings, busy streets, and a warm tropical breeze from the Gulf of Paria, it’s a city full of life, music, and colour.

Facts about Port of Spain

• Country: Trinidad and Tobago
  
• Currency: Trinidad and Tobago Dollar (TTD)
  
• Languages: English (official), with local Creole influences
  
• Flag: Red with a diagonal black stripe edged in white
  
• National animal: Cocrico (a tropical bird found on Tobago)

What’s Port of Spain famous for?

Port of Spain has a long and complex history, shaped by many cultures. The Spanish built a settlement near an old Amerindian fishing village called Cumucurapo. Later, people from Africa, India, Europe, and China also arrived, bringing their traditions. The name Port of Spain comes from the Spanish Puerto de España.

This capital city is well known for its vibrant Carnival, held each year just before Lent. During this time, the city comes alive with music, dancing, colourful costumes, and street parades. 

It’s a joyful celebration of Caribbean culture, with calypso and soca music filling the air. These upbeat styles began in Trinidad and Tobago and mix African, Caribbean, and European influences.

Cool places to visit in Port of Spain

• Queen’s Park Savannah – A huge open space in the middle of the city. It’s great for sports, walks, and watching Carnival events.
  
• Royal Botanic Gardens – A peaceful garden with plants from all over the world.
  
• National Museum and Art Gallery – Explore local art and learn about Trinidad’s culture and history.
  
• The “Magnificent Seven” – A group of grand old buildings near the Savannah. Each one looks different and has its own story.
  
• Maracas Beach – Just outside the city, this beach is famous for its soft sand and blue sea.

What’s on the menu?

Trinidad and Tobago has amazing food from many cultures. Popular dishes include:

• Doubles – A famous street food made of flatbread, curried chickpeas, and chutney.
  
• Callaloo – A green, creamy dish made with dasheen leaves and spices.
  
• Pone – A baked dessert made from grated sweet potato, coconut, and spices.

What do people wear?

In everyday life, people in Port of Spain wear modern clothes, just like in other cities. During Carnival, though, everything changes! Costumes become colourful, sparkly, feathery, and fun. Each group has a theme, and people spend months preparing their looks. 

Traditional clothing is also worn at festivals and cultural events, inspired by African, Indian, and European styles.

Fun facts about Port of Spain for kids

• The steelpan (also called the steel drum) was invented in Trinidad and Tobago. It’s played by musicians called pannists.
  
• Carnival costumes can take many months to design, sew, and decorate, some even include feathers, sequins, and lights!
  
• Tiny hummingbirds are common in Trinidad, and one species is even on the country’s coat of arms.
  
• Cricket is one of the most popular sports, and matches at Queen’s Park Oval can bring huge crowds of people.
  
• Queen’s Park Savannah is one of the largest roundabouts in the world – and it’s used for sports, markets, and Carnival events.

Article vocabulary list

• Carnival – A festival with music, dancing, and colourful costumes, held before Lent
• Calypso – A style of Caribbean music with singing and storytelling
• Creole – A mix of languages and cultures, often found in Caribbean traditions
• Gulf – A large part of the sea partly enclosed by land
• Settlement – A place where people build homes and live together
• Savannah – A flat area of grass, sometimes in or near a city
• Parade – A public celebration where people march, dance, or play music in the streets
• Costume – Special clothes worn for a celebration or performance
• Chutney – A spicy or sweet sauce, often used in Caribbean and Indian food
• Hummingbird – A tiny bird that can hover in the air and drinks nectar from flowers

Comprehension questions

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