Village Overview
The village features traditionally constructed huts, communal spaces, medicinal gardens, and sacred sites that reflect the spiritual and daily life of the First Peoples.
Heritage Village
“A living space of memory, culture, and ancestral presence.”
The Heritage Village of the Santa Rosa First Peoples is more than a place—it is a living sanctuary where ancestral knowledge, sacred traditions, and community life converge. Tucked away in the hills of Arima, this space invites all who enter to slow down, listen, and reconnect with the roots of Trinidad’s original inhabitants.
Here, culture is not displayed behind glass—it is felt, lived, and remembered.
Healing Gardens & Bush Medicine
Surrounding the village are lush gardens filled with traditional medicinal plants. These herbs are used for spiritual cleansing, healing, and wellness, curated and cared for by community elders and the Shaman, Cristo Adonis.
Visitors learn about the sacred relationship between the First Peoples and the land—how each plant holds memory, purpose, and spirit.
Traditional Structures
The village features handcrafted ajoupas—palm-thatched huts built using Indigenous knowledge passed down through generations. These structures offer a glimpse into the architectural ingenuity of the ancestors and serve as spaces for teaching, healing, and ritual.
A central communal area and ceremonial fire pit form the spiritual heart of the village, where drumming, chanting, and gatherings take place.
Education & Cultural Engagement
The village welcomes schools, universities, and community groups for cultural awareness sessions, language revival workshops, and hands-on learning.
Programs include:
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Storytelling sessions with elders
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Calabash carving and artisan demonstrations
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Dance and drumming workshops
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Guided tours of sacred sites
Every visit is an opportunity to engage with history—not as tourists, but as respectful witnesses to a people’s living story.
Ceremonial Life
The Heritage Village comes alive during sacred observances such as the annual Santa Rosa Festival, Ancestor Day, and solstice celebrations. Rituals include smoke blessings, offerings, traditional music, and spiritual storytelling.
These ceremonies connect past and present—reminding us that time in the village is not linear, but cyclical and sacred.
