Penal–Debe – a heartland of Indo-Trinidadian culture
Penal–Debe is widely regarded as a heartland of Indo-Trinidadian culture, and that inheritance shapes daily life across the region: about 71 per cent of residents are of Indian descent and Hinduism is the largest religion, at some 43 per cent. The traditions carried here since the arrival of indentured labourers in the nineteenth century live on in temples, festivals, music and cooking that are known far beyond the south of Trinidad. Covering 246.91 square kilometres, the region is administered by the Penal–Debe Regional Corporation with its headquarters in Penal, while Debe is its other main centre. Members are warmly invited to share their own memories, photographs and family stories from Penal and Debe.