The Trinidad Tradition We Can’t Afford to Lose | Jameel ‘Jappa’ Bisnath

Send us Fan MailWhat is Hosay really about?For many Trinidadians, it’s something we’ve grown up seeing—but few of us truly understand its history, meaning, or why it continues to unite an entire community.In this episode, community leader and Hosay historian Jameel Bisnath explains the origins of Hosay, the story of Imam Hussein, why St. James has become the largest Hosay community in the Western Hemisphere, and how a tradition rooted in mourning became one of Trinidad & Tobago’s greatest examples of multicultural harmony.We also explore the history of tassa, the symbolism behind the moons and tadjahs, the 1884 Hosay Massacre, preserving traditions for future generations, and why Jameel believes St. James offers a blueprint for national unity.Whether you’ve participated in Hosay all your life or have never fully understood it, this conversation offers a fascinating look into one of our country’s richest cultural traditions.🎙️ Listen on all major audio platforms. ❤️ Support the show and get early access to every episode on Patreon.