Located on the northeast corner of Trinidad, the town of Toco can be accessed from the southwest by the Toco Main Road which runs through Matura, Salibea, Rampanalgas, and Cumana. Along the Toco coastline facing the Atlantic Ocean is Salybia Bay which is used by the Olorisa (followers of the Orisa faith) to celebrate the Oshun Festival (see photo at left). The purpose of the festival is to pay "obeisance to the river as a deity." In the Orisa faith, Oshun is the mother (deity) of fertility and is the mirror that assists people reflecting on life. The Oshun Festival has its origins many centuries ago in Oshogobro, near the Oshun River in Nigeria, and the time of its celebration is in accordance with the Orisa calendar. Writer Earl Lovelace was born in Toco and visitors to the town can view the large collection of historical items at the Toco Folk Museum which was opened in 1997. Some of the communities of Toco are Cumana Village, L'Anse Noire, Mission Village, and Monte Video Village. |