People ask us all the time: what does "fete" mean? In Trinidad & Tobago, a fete (say it like "fet") is a party. But calling it just a party misses the point. A fete is music, food, the people you love and nobody checking the time. The good ones go all night. That's where our name comes from: Fete 'Til Dawn.
What is a fete?
A fete is a Trinidadian party, usually with soca music, plenty of food and drink, and a crowd that came to enjoy themselves. Fetes can be anything from a backyard lime that got out of hand to a huge ticketed event with live artists. Whatever the size, the energy is the same: celebration first, worries later.
Fetes and Carnival season
Fetes are at their peak during Carnival season in Trinidad & Tobago, which builds in the weeks before Carnival Monday and Tuesday. Every weekend (and plenty of weeknights) brings new fetes, new soca songs and the build-up to the main event.
Carnival Monday begins before sunrise with J'ouvert, from the French jour ouvert, meaning "daybreak." Revellers take to the streets in the dark, covered in mud, paint or cocoa, and celebrate as the sun comes up. It's raw, joyful and one of the most electric mornings anywhere in the world.
In 2027, Trinidad & Tobago Carnival Monday and Tuesday fall on February 8 and 9, the same days as Lundi Gras and Mardi Gras here in New Orleans. Two of the world's great Carnival cities, celebrating on the same days.
A little Trini vocabulary
Many of our coffees are named for words and moments from Trinidad & Tobago:
- Fete: a party, the kind that goes 'til dawn.
- Lime: to hang out and relax with friends. "We just liming."
- J'ouvert: the pre-dawn street celebration that opens Carnival. Our J'ouvert dark roast is built for people who move before the world wakes up.
- After de fete: the morning after. Our After De Fete half-caf is made for recovery mode.
- Bess: the best, really good. Bess is the blend people ask for by name.
- Bredren and sistren: your brothers and sisters, your people. Bredren/Sistren is a medium-dark blend for sharing.
- Down di islands: in Trinidad, going "down the islands" means heading out to the small islands off the northwest coast for a lime by the sea. Down Di Island is our bright, easy light roast with that same slow-day feeling.
Looking for something without the buzz? Irie is our smooth decaf, and it delivers all the flavor without keeping you up after the fete.
The story behind Fete 'Til Dawn
Fete 'Til Dawn founder Hermina Lezama was born in Trinidad & Tobago, and her mother's love of coffee sparked the business. Today Fete 'Til Dawn calls New Orleans home, a city that understands celebration as well as Port of Spain does.
We roast small-batch coffee, blend loose leaf teas and serve Trini-inspired drinks at pop-ups and festivals across New Orleans. Every bag carries the same idea: good coffee should feel like a fete, warm, generous and best shared.
Bring the fete home
New to Fete 'Til Dawn? Start with the Fete Flight sampler, four 2oz bags of our best sellers for $18. Want a taste of New Orleans and the islands in one cup? Try Nola Baby, our signature blend with chicory. Read more about chicory coffee in New Orleans, or shop the full coffee collection with free U.S. shipping on orders over $40.
Fete FAQ
How do you pronounce fete?
Like "fet," rhyming with "bet."
What is the difference between a fete and a lime?
A lime is relaxed time hanging out with friends. A fete is a full party with music and dancing. A lime can turn into a fete, and often does.
What does J'ouvert mean?
J'ouvert comes from the French jour ouvert, meaning daybreak. It's the pre-dawn street celebration that opens Carnival Monday in Trinidad & Tobago.
