<P> The Mas tradition started in the late 18th century with French plantation owners organizing masquerades ( mas ) and balls before enduring the fasting of Lent . The slaves , who could not take part in Carnival , formed their own , parallel celebration called `` Canboulay '' . Canboulay ( from the French cannes brulées , meaning burnt cane ) is a precursor to Trinidad and Tobago Carnival , and has played an important role in the development of the music of Trinidad and Tobago . </P>
<P> The Mas tradition started in the late 18th century with French plantation owners organizing masquerades ( mas ) and balls before enduring the fasting of Lent . The slaves , who could not take part in Carnival , formed their own , parallel celebration called `` Canboulay '' . Canboulay ( from the French cannes brulées , meaning burnt cane ) is a precursor to Trinidad and Tobago Carnival , and has played an important role in the development of the music of Trinidad and Tobago . </P>
when did carnival start in trinidad and tobago
when did carnival start in trinidad and tobago
in the late 18th century
in the late 18th century