Easter in Trinidad & Tobago looks (and tastes) like this

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The Easter holidays fall smack dab in the middle of Trinidad and Tobago's dry season — which means that “staycationers” choose a lot of outdoor activities to pass the time. Here's a glimpse at some of them, as well as a few other celebrated traditions that define Easter in the twin-island nation.

Admiring the Poui trees

This is the time of year that the Tabebuia (or Poui, as it is locally known) goes into full bloom, dotting the hillsides and roadsides with blazing yellow flowers. One strain of Poui produces delicate pink flowers, reminiscent of Japan's cherry blossoms. No matter the colour, the sight of a Poui tree in full bloom is nothing short of breathtaking, and each year, social media users share their snaps on Facebook and Instagram. It just wouldn't feel like Easter without that Poui perfection!

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Enjoying a snow cone

It's a delicious treat any time of year, but this brightly coloured combination of crushed ice, syrups of varying flavours and (quite often) condensed milk, seems extra refreshing around Easter time. Vendors frequent popular beaches and the Queen's Park Savannah (the capital's main green space) to attract potential customers.

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Flying high

Another popular Easter tradition is kite-flying, with a contest held each year on Easter Sunday at the Queen's Park Savannah.

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Easter Sunday kite-flying contestants, Queen's Park Savannah, Trinidad. Photo by Georgia Popplewell, CC BY-NC-SA 2.0.

Playing some cricket

It's also a common sight at this time of year to see cricket teams decked out in their “whites”, playing friendly matches in community sports grounds (and yes, at the Savannah).

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Munching hot cross buns

Easter wouldn't quite be Easter without the special treat of hot cross buns. As far as religious denominations go, Trinidad and Tobago's population is predominantly Christian, and the buns are traditionally eaten on Good Friday.

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Originally published in Global Voices.