With the “Greatest Show on Earth” less than two weeks away, the Ministry of Culture and Community Development has signalled that all systems are go for a record-breaking Carnival 2026.
In a high-level inter-agency meeting held on Wednesday at the Queen’s Park Savannah, Minister Michelle Benjamin met with key stakeholders to finalize operational strategies for what officials are calling a “Bumper Season.”
The meeting brought together representatives from the Trinidad and Tobago Police Service (TTPS), the National Carnival Commission (NCC), and major mas associations to ensure a seamless execution of the festival’s activities.
Data released during the briefing underscores the massive scale of this year’s festivities.
A total of 183 Mas Bands have officially registered, including 68 Senior, 70 Junior, and 45 J’ouvert groups.
To accommodate the surge in masqueraders and spectators, the Ministry confirmed the formal inclusion of St. James along the parade route, a move designed to ease congestion and improve the flow of the street parade.
Minister Benjamin noted that the “Bumper Season” is already delivering economic results. “Carnival 2026 is thriving and booming,” she stated, citing over 37,000 recorded visitors and full hotel occupancy across the country.
Public safety remains the government’s top priority.
Deputy Commissioner of Police and Gold Commander, Suzette Martin, assured that security agencies are working in lockstep, sharing real-time information and maintaining a heavy presence at major venues. This is bolstered by the deployment of private security and compliance officers to manage crowd control.
Other key focus points discussed included:
Traffic Management: The Ministry of Works and Infrastructure is implementing measures to improve flow around central Carnival hubs. To combat the perennial issue of illegal parking, NCC attendants have been deployed on the ground to assist patrons and reduce disruptions.
Health and Sanitation: On-site medical teams and emergency response protocols are fully operational. Additionally, resources have been allocated for rigorous waste management before, during, and after the festivities.
Communication: Real-time information sharing and public advisories have been established to ensure consistent communication with the public.
As the countdown to Carnival Monday and Tuesday (February 16 and 17) continues, Minister Benjamin emphasized that while revenue generation is a priority, preserving the nation’s cultural identity is the heartbeat of the season.
The Ministry and the NCC have urged the public to follow their official social media channels for timely updates on traffic diversions and event schedules.
With preparations now in their final phase, Trinidad and Tobago appears ready to host its largest and most secure Carnival in years.
