pans) are now a major part of the Trinidadian music scene and are a popular section of the Canboulay music contests. In 1941, the United States Navy arrived on Trinidad, and the panmen, who were associated with lawlessness and violence, helped to popularize steel pan music among soldiers, which began its international popularization. J'Ouvert J'ouvert (translated from French as "break of day"), symbolizes the start of the official two days of Carnival. Beginning early Monday, revellers parade through town in the tradition of the Canboulay celebrations. Jouvay, as it is commonly known, features a variety of homemade or satirical costumes. This celebration involves participants dousing themselves in oil, mud and powder while they dance to calypso music through the streets. This is a stark contrast to the attractive and more formal costumes that are donned later in the day on Carnival Monday and on Tuesday. Carnival dates The table shows a list of Trinidad and Tobago Carnival dates from 2009 to 2026. The 2021 edition of the event - scheduled for February 15 and 16 2021 - has been cancelled due to the COVID-19 pandemic Characters A few specific characters have evolved during the history of Trinidad and Tobago's Carnival. Among these characters are: Burrokeet – A "donkey-man" character constructed so as to give the illusion of a dancer riding a small burro or donkey. This masquerade was brought to Trinidad by Venezuelan settlers. Dame Lorraine – An ample voluptuous woman. The costume parodies the dress of 18th-century French aristocratic women and is stuffed in the hips and bust. Jab Jab – The name comes from the French Patois word for devil. Midnight Robber – A character who brags about himself and whose costume is influenced by American Cowboy clothes. Minstrels – A group of singers Moko jumbie - A stilt dancer. The character is of African origin. Originally the character wore a hat made of dried wild cucumbers, and the stilts were striped. Pierrot – ''A well-dressed character that prides himself on his knowledge References External links Official Trinidad and Tobago Tourism Site – www.gotrinidadandtobago.com Calendar of Events at the Trinidad Tourism Site National Carnival Commission Official Website History and Carnival Information at the National Library The Birth & Evolution of Trinidad Carnival Trinidad and Tobago culture Music festivals in the Caribbean Annual events in Trinidad and Tobago Carnivals in Trinidad and Tobago Winter events in Trinidad and Tobago