For the people of Tobago, Easter heralds the dawn of one of the most anticipated events on the island. The serious business of goat and crab racing at Buccoo's annual festival draws crowds from across the island.
Introduced in 1925, goat racing has all the pomp and pageantry of Ascot. Prior to the race, the jockeys (young boys who run with the goats) are seen stretching and surveying the 100m track for irregularities. When the starter signals the beginning of the race, these jockeys pelt down the track in their bare feet, urging their prized, groomed goats to run as fast as the wind, to the loud cheers of the crowd.
Crab racing, as you may guess, is a lot less energetic, but exciting nevertheless. The crabs are usually big and blue and are harnessed with a piece of string. They are poked and prodded by their jockeys to run in the desired direction. Afterward, the crabs usually end up curried, in somebody's pot.
Crab racing, as you may guess, is a lot less energetic, but exciting nevertheless. The crabs are usually big and blue and are harnessed with a piece of string. They are poked and prodded by their jockeys to run in the desired direction. Afterward, the crabs usually end up curried, in somebody's pot.
