Some might say – well, I would say – that one of the biggest brands around the world is nationalism. No, it’s not some weird and wonderful super-product that just hit the market. It simply is what it is – ties to one’s nationality.

Swedes proudly display Swedish flags on their front porches, while Jamaicans in Toronto gather annually at Keelesdale Park to celebrate Jamaica Day. There is one group in particular that has, in my experience, struck me as being particularly faithful to the national brand year after year, generation upon generation.

Proudly displaying the red, white, and black, Trinbagonians around the world flock home to Trinidad and Tobago annually. And while they return at all times of the year, February (or “Carnival time”) is a particularly good time to catch Trinis from all corners of the world at the arrivals gate.

There is hardly ever a logical-rational explanation as to why they return during Carnival. In February, you would be hard pressed to find a Trinidadian who would tell you, “It just seemed to make sense; the flights were cheap!” Believe me, they’re not. But you will hear a lot of, “I’ve been home every year for the last 19; why stop now?” or “It’s carnival time… I couldn’t miss out on the parties” or “It’s celebrating part of my heritage – I’ll take any excuse to jump up in the street!”

And then there are people like me who become so completely consumed by it that we take the trip, even with no nationalistic ties to bind us. It always delivers, and rarely disappoints. The pull is so overpowering that we feel like if we aren’t a part of it, a part of ourselves might be missing.

If Trinidad is the superbrand in reference to nationalism (which it is for me, thus why I am here right now!), what are its contemporaries in today’s consumer market? What companies are doing all the right things to create such comprehensive and consuming emotional ties with their customers? What brands are so intriguing that you feel the need to participate?