From Village Tradition To National Spotlight: Buccoo Festival Evolves #TTTLiveOnline

Now backed by new investments and local leadership, the iconic event is being transformed into a national showcase, blending cultural preservation with sport and tourism development.

Speaking at the Buccoo Integrated Facility on Tuesday, area representative Keigon Denoon noted that the Tobago House of Assembly is working towards standardising and monetising the sport of goat and crab racing through national investments.

“Goat racing is no longer a village pastime. It is a national treasure and a tourism product with international potential, and I want to assure you today that we are taking deliberate steps to elevate and advance the sport of goat racing.”

Efforts are also under way to position Buccoo as the premier destination for culture, sport, and tourism in the Caribbean.

Supporting this new initiative, Vice President of the Buccoo Village Council, Winston Pereira, emphasised that the festival adds an authentic dimension to Tobago’s tourism product – one that is marketable and beneficial to a wide cross-section of local entrepreneurs.

“In this regard, the Buccoo Village Council has taken deliberate steps to copyright this event, ensuring that its patrimony is preserved for future generations, not only for our community but for all Tobagonians.”

THA Secretary of Tourism, Antiquities and Creative Industries, Zorisha Hackett, unveiled an exciting calendar of events set to unfold in the community.

“At this stand, and I am calling it the Tobago Carnival Stand, our festival that will run from the 30th of October to November 1st. Right where most of you are currently seated, our Tobago Heritage stand, July 15th to August 1st, and then of course, on that stand all the way on my left, our Tobago Blue Food Festival to be held on October 18th.”