When
30 Mar 2026
Usually in March
Where
Nationwide
Type
religious · fixed date
Heritage
African Heritage
The Story
The Spiritual Baptist faith blends African spiritual traditions with Christianity, featuring distinctive practices like shouting (Spirit-led vocalizations), bell-ringing, and mourning rituals.
In 1917, the colonial government passed the Shouter Prohibition Ordinance, banning the faith and criminalizing its practitioners. For 34 years, Spiritual Baptists practiced in secret, risking arrest and persecution.
On March 30, 1951, the ordinance was repealed. Trinidad & Tobago became the first country in the world to declare a public holiday honoring a religious minority's liberation from persecution.
What to Expect
- Church services featuring distinctive Spiritual Baptist worship
- Bell-ringing and spiritual songs
- Colorful robes and headties
- Public ceremonies and thanksgiving
- Educational programs about the faith's history
How to Participate
- Attend a Spiritual Baptist church service (visitors welcome)
- Dress modestly and respectfully
- Observe worship practices without judgment
- Listen to practitioners share their faith journey
- Acknowledge the history of persecution and resilience
Practical Information
Public holiday: Yes
Services: Spiritual Baptist churches throughout T&T
What to wear: Modest, respectful attire; women may want to bring a head covering
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