Remember when BURSTING BAMBOO , or CARBIDE IN A MILK TIN was a popular Trini Christmas Tradition in rural villages long ago?
( Due credit given to photographer who posted this photo on Pin Interest)
My siblings and I grew up in a small rural community where busting bamboo was a popular fun activity among the village youths, especially at Divali and Christmas.
My father did demonstrate the technique to my brothers since we had a bamboo patch growing near to our home .
If I remembered correctly the bamboo stalk was cut long enough to resemble a small canon with one end closed. At the top of closed end a small hole was cut where kerosene was poured.Using a flambeau the fumes from kerosene was ignited and flame blown into cut hole at top of bamboo . The person engaging in this dangerous pastime would then step back in time for the firing of the bamboo canon. The loud explosion that resulted echoed throughout the village.
My mother banned this activity however , because she was scared that my brothers would get injured badly .
My father then introduced my brothers to the sport of bursting carbide in a milk tin
Using a nail a small hole was made at the bottom of the tin . Wet carbidw was placed into the tin . The wet carbide was then rolled around in the tin. Then came the fun pan. WIth the pan placed on its side a match was a lit just at entrance of the nail hole .All will run away from the tin when the flame was lit. What resulted was a loud explosive sound that blew off the lid of the tin.
These traditions though still existing in some remote villages in Trinidad today are slowing fading away. (Source: Angelo Bissessarsingh's Virtual Museum of T&T, Dec 25, 2022)

Source: Trinbago Memories