Trinidad and Tobago became a Republic on August 1st, 1976. I was 2 ½ years old then. Naturally, I have no memory of the festivities. Now, the day is commemorated as a public holiday on September 24th because that’s the date the first Parliament met under the new Republican Constitution. A President replaced the Queen of England as head of state, and supreme power now rested with all the citizens entitled to vote (the electorate), and with representatives elected, directly or indirectly, by them, and responsible to them. Trinidad and Tobago has 14 statutory public holidays each year, and Republic Day is one of them. It’s already been three years since my last homecoming. As I age and raise my children, national milestones feel more significant. 2026 marks the Golden Anniversary of the twin islands’ Republic status.
English-Speaking Of Republics in the Caribbean
Ten English-speaking Caribbean island countries that gained independence from United Kingdom), of that only four are republics. The four republics in the English-speaking Caribbean. They are:
- Guyana – became a republic in 1970.
- Trinidad and Tobago – became a republic in 1976.
- Dominica – became a republic upon independence in 1978.
- Barbados- became a republic in 2021
So you can see, it’s no small feat and something to be proud about.
Trinidad and Tobago Republic Day Celebrations
The National Awards ceremony is held on Republic Day. The ceremony honours citizens who have made a significant contribution to the country. From 1962 to 2017 it took place on Independence Day. Then, it was moved to Republic Day to bring greater awareness to the meaning and importance of the holiday.
On Republic Day in Trinidad, a variety of events are hosted to instill national pride, such as cultural performances, parades, and the raising of the national flag.
It’s surreal being an expat watching celebrations through a screen. This year I watched the 64th Independence Day parade on catcup via YouTube. I messaged a friend and we had an impromptu mini watch party. Althought we were miles a part in different places in London, it was nice to share the moment with her.
Republic At 50
2026 marks 50 years since Trinidad and Tobago adopted its republican constitution and held its first republican parliament session in 1976. It will also be the second year since the national coat of arms came into effect. The new the Coat of Arms featuring the national instrument, the steelpan, has been officially in use since 25 February 2025. The steel pan, Trinidad and Tobago’s national instrument, replaced the 3 sailing ships of Christopher Columbus.
Although there will be no official celebrations in London, you can follow a range of experiences on social media. For September, various organisations are sharing 50 things to know about the twin-island republic. Use the hashtag #RepublicAt50 to see them all. Additionally, visit on the website of Office of the President and the Parliament of Trinidad and Tobago on the website or on Facebook, can find about what’s planned for the special day Including the exhibition ‘A Nation’s House, A People’s Journey’
From the Parliament of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago there is a video entitled Road to the Republic – 50 Years – 1976-2026 is an inspirational watch.
Finally, in Toronto, the T&T Consulate will illuminate the world-famous, iconic Niagara Falls in the national colours (Red, White and Black) on September 24, 2026 at 10:00pm for a 15-minute duration in honour of Trinidad and Tobago’s 50th Anniversary as a Republic Day and it can be viewed by live cam.
Other Ways To Celebrate Trinidad and Tobago Republic Day
If you are experincing FOMO in the UK and overseas, there are other ways to celebrate the day. Why not invite friends around for drinks and/or a meal. We like to buy our treats from My Trini Shop. You will get authenic, herbs, spices, snacks, drinks and condiements. If you have lost your knack for Trini cooking check out Tante Lorraine videos on TikTok or purchase from her shop . Should you decide to eat out, there’s the restaurant Limin Southbank which will close it’s doors later this month and relocate. So visit before it’s gone Addtionally, there’s Trini Vibez in Dalston, Roti Masters in Sutton and Tawa Roti in Clapham.
Now, whether you are going out or staying in, dorn your red white. Make you outfit pop with accessories by TM Boutique. Designer, Thalia Mae has a special Repbulic Collection. You can see what I bought in the photo above. However there are other designs. Don’t forget your bold headwarps and totes from DNA Designs!
Did I miss anything? Let me know in the comments.
Get Social
Are you a Trinbagonian national living in the UK? How will you commemorate Republic Day? If you know of any events, drop them in the comments; share, the more the merrier. Maybe you will be travelling to Trinidad and Tobago in time for the celebrations. What are you looking foward to the most?
Remember to follow Trinidad & Tobago High Commission on Instagram and if you have not done so in the past, be sure to register yourself on their database.
Be sure to check out my blog on World Steelpan Dayand exploring the northern side of Tobago and follow me on Instagram @MsXpat and @xpatathome
