The National Trust of Trinidad and Tobago is pleased to share that our Ponche de Crème, Parang and Pan celebration at Mille Fleurs Heritage House was a vibrant success. The event delivered exactly what it promised—a true Trini Christmas experience, powered by heritage, music, community and cultural connection.
Two dancers
We were honoured to welcome several distinguished guests who helped make the evening even more meaningful.
Mr. Ramsey, President of the Barbados National Trust, joined us as part of our ongoing efforts to strengthen regional heritage partnerships. His presence at Ponche de Crème, Parang and Pan underscored the shared Caribbean commitment to preserving, celebrating and activating our historic spaces.
From Left to right (Geoffrey Ramsey, President of the Barbados National Trust, Margaret McDowall of the National Trust of Trinidad and Tobago) and Nadine Pirtheesingh
We were also privileged to host the Minister in the Office of the Prime Minister, Senator the Honourable Darrell Allahar, who attended in support of the Trust’s expanding cultural programming.
Senator the Honourable Darrel Allahar and his wife Neisha Allahar
Members of the diplomatic corps were in attendance as well, including His Excellency Álvaro Sánchez Cordero, Ambassador of the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela. The Venezuelan Embassy, one of our valued event partners, added a rich cultural layer to the evening, hosting a booth where patrons enjoyed Venezuelan ponche de crème and traditional Christmas delicacies.
From Left to right: Mrs Mónica Rey Jiménez, Margaret McDowall and James Felix (from the National Trust of Trinidad and Tobago), Senator the Honourable Darrell Allahar, His Excellency Álvaro Sánchez Cordero, Ambassador of the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela and Simone Thorne-Mora Quinones
The grounds of Mille Fleurs came alive with the energy and generosity of our partners and sponsors, including:
Massy Foundation, Desperadoes Steel Orchestra, NCC, WACK Radio 90.1 FM, M2 Marketing & Promotions, Venus Ponche de Crème, Hyatt Regency Trinidad, NFM, and the Venezuelan Embassy.
Patrons enjoyed a curated selection of food and drink on sale throughout the night—including favourites from our Paramin Food Tent, where wild meat dishes were in high demand and added an unmistakable local flavour to the experience.
Most of all, the performers delivered an unforgettable night. Los Sonidos, Los Parranderos de UWI, Voces Jóvenes, and the legendary Desperadoes Steel Orchestra filled the historic house with the rhythms, harmonies and warmth that define a Trinidad and Tobago Christmas. The music brought the house down, and the joy across the audience—members, families, visitors and first-time attendees—spoke for itself.
Sonia Chase From Los Sonidos
Joanne Briggs and Sonja Gibbs from Los Parranderos de UWI
From left to right: Robert Persad and Joanne Briggs from Los Parranderos de UWI
From left to right: Kenika Quash, Sonia Chase, Laken Lutchmansingh and bandleader Kyesha Jones from Los Sonidos
As we look ahead to 2026, we invite everyone who shared this evening with us—and all who wish to help protect and celebrate our national heritage—to become members of the National Trust of Trinidad and Tobago. Your membership directly fuels our ability to preserve historic sites and create cultural spaces like this one.
We encourage the public to stay tuned for our upcoming events, tours, and lectures for 2026, as we continue building opportunities for people to experience and reconnect with the stories of Trinidad and Tobago.
Images courtesy the Information Division, Office of the Prime Minister.
About the National Trust
The National Trust of Trinidad and Tobago is a membership-based organization established by Act 11 of 1991 and amended by Act No 31 of 1999. The Trust is established to:
- Identify built and natural properties and sites of interest
- Formally list properties and sites important to our national heritage to prevent destruction or to ensure discussion prior to agreed modification.
- Make provision for access to and enjoyment of properties of interest by the public
- Encourage research and acquire records of properties of interest and historical artefacts
- Conduct education and awareness campaigns to ensure general acceptance of the rich and diverse heritage of Trinidad and Tobago