Port of Spain, Trinidad: Monday, August 18, 2025: “This evening, we present a vision of our Carnival that dares to go a step farther and a step beyond in pursuit of something better.”
“It is a vision that presents Trinidad and Tobago Carnival, all year round, with captivating stories of Mas in motion; Music deep in your bones; Cuisine, Fashion, and Art that call to you; and a diverse people powered by Love, Unity, and History.”
“This is TT Carnival 365.”
Chairman of the National Carnival Commission of Trinidad and Tobago (NCC), Peter Kanhai shared these words of welcome with more than 400 guests in attendance at A Carnival Love Affair: A Theatrical Presentation on Friday, August 15 at the Lord Kitchener Auditorium at NAPA.
Hosted by the Ministry of Culture and Community Development and the NCC, and presented by the National Theatre Arts Company (NTAC), A Carnival Love Affair brought the vision of Trinidad and Tobago Carnival 2026 to life with a unique and immersive theatrical presentation.
In the evening’s feature address, Minister of Culture and Community Development, the Honourable Michelle Benjamin MP pledged the government’s commitment to Trinidad and Tobago Carnival’s sustainable development.
“Whether that means expanding marketing opportunities, improving infrastructure, creating training and funding for our creatives, or building platforms to showcase our culture year-round,” Minister Benjamin said.
Minister Benjamin shared plans of an arrangement with the Inter-American Development Bank to conduct a study on the economic impact of Trinidad and Tobago Carnival in 2026.
“This study will allow us to measure how this national cultural product impacts our country’s ability to earn revenue. The study will generate important data that we can use to demonstrate to our sponsorship partners that Trinidad and Tobago Carnival is growing.”
“To keep our national festival vibrant, competitive and relevant on the world stage, we need to document it and measure it,” she added.
The Minister said that while the government is committed to investing in Carnival, it cannot do it alone, emphasising that partnership is key, and calling on the wider community to commit their support in a wider nation-building effort.
She encouraged the corporate community to see investing in Carnival as investing in small businesses, in creative talent, and in the next generation of cultural leaders.
“When you invest in Carnival, you are investing in Trinidad and Tobago itself,” the Minister added.
In bringing together a diverse range of stakeholder groups for an evening of entertainment and networking, A Carnival Love Affair officially kicked off a series of NCC Carnival 2026 initiatives centred around innovation, long term planning, cultural appreciation, and meaningful engagement and dialogue.
At the heart of this series is TTCarnival365.com, a dynamic, digital, and cultural online platform designed to keep the energy of Trinidad and Tobago Carnival alive, 365 days a year, and redefine how the world sees and experiences Trinidad and Tobago Carnival.
Set to go live later in August, this centralised platform will serve as the official hub for all things Carnival in Trinidad and Tobago; hosting the national Carnival calendar, featuring major competitions, fetes, band launches, cultural showcases, and serving as a permanent home for our stories, our artistry, and our voice in the global Carnival conversation.
For more information and the latest news on TTCarnival365.com, please visit the NCC at ncctt.org or follow us on Facebook and Instagram.