Tobago's Old Time Wedding
by Paris Permenter & John Bigley

Tony and Tina's Wedding may be the darling of Broadway, but Tobago's Old-Time Wedding has been drawing crowds for a decade. Every July, this reenactment of 19th century nuptials, complete with men in tails and top hats and women in satiny splendor, draws visitors and locals alike to the community of Scarborough. Traditional Tobagonian touches abound: a bride's trousseau trunk balances on the head of one guest, another transports a wedding cake safely tucked beneath mosquito netting.

The ceremony takes place within the walls of a historic church to a standing-room-only crowd. Even those visitors who can't see the bride and groom need not worry: the action continues outside as well.

A grand party follows, and visitors "chip" or shuffle dance down the street, later joining in traditional dances such as the reel and jig or the quadrille. And, of course, the event wouldn't be complete without a taste of the wedding cake and, in this case, the island's special delicacy: curried crab and dumplings.

The Old-Time Wedding is part of the annual Tobago Heritage Festival, scheduled for the second half of July. For more information, call (800) 595-ITNT or check out out the official website: http://www.visitTNT.com.