Felicity was transformed into a sea of lights on Sunday night, as visitors and locals filled the streets to take in the elaborate Divali decorations, colourful displays and lively entertainment, celebrating the festival’s message of light, love and unity.
A drive through Felicity on Sunday night offered a spectacular display of Divali lights and decorations, as people turned out to take in the colourful sights and sounds of the village.
Brilliant lights, elaborate decorations and the pulsating sounds of music transformed the streets into a colourful celebration, attracting visitors from across Trinidad and Tobago.
The Chaguanas Borough Corporation introduced a designated traffic route, following suggestions from residents and groups involved in the annual decorations.
Chaguanas Mayor, Faaiq Mohammed, said the move was guided by feedback from the community.
“We had an initial meeting at the corporation with most of the groups, and they suggested it. They said that, Mayor, we’d like you all to consider doing a route. Last year, we didn’t do a route, but to hear the villagers, to get the input of the community, and members who actually take part in the decorating, you know, saying we should put a traffic plan in place, we took their suggestions.”
For some visitors, the experience was long overdue. Geddes Fraser travelled from Cocorite West with his family for this occasion.
“Coming from Cocorite West. Why come down? I always hear people talk about it, and I just said this time I will carry my family, lewwi see how it is and ting.”
And beyond the dazzling displays, the celebration carried a message of unity and togetherness.
Parliamentary Secretary in the Ministry of Trade, Investment and Tourism and Chaguanas West MP, Dr Colin Neil Gosine, said the message of Diwali is especially important amid social and religious divisions.
“Divali means light over darkness to me and because of all the issues we have in Trinidad and Tobago right now and people have some prejudice with some religions, we want to remove that and really have love for everybody. We all have the same blood that runs through our veins and we want everybody to love everyone and to get along in Trinidad and Tobago.”
Mayor Mohammed also reflected on the deeper meaning of the festival.
“Diwali means the conquering of ignorance, through knowledge, understanding, and most importantly, unity.”
Felicity once again offered a memorable Diwali experience, bringing families and communities together in celebration.