Port of Spain, Trinidad, Wednesday, November 5, 2025: The Countdown to Trinidad and Tobago Carnival 2026 is on.
With 100 days to go before the official proclamation of Trinidad and Tobago Carnival on February 16, 2026, the National Carnival Commission of Trinidad and Tobago (NCC) will host its annual launch of Carnival at the Brian Lara Promenade, Port of Spain, on Friday, November 7, 2025.
Billed as a Proclamation with Spectacle, Carnival in the City presents a unique opportunity as the NCC transforms a beloved public space into an active thoroughfare and commercial hub for all things Trinidad and Tobago Carnival.
From 9 am to 6 pm, the NCC will infuse the heart of the city with the many familiar sights, sounds, faces, and activities of Carnival. With Traditional Carnival Characters, informative workshops and exhibitions, a mini concert from reigning Panorama champions, Republic Bank Exodus Steel Orchestra, and more, Carnival in the City promises to be a memorable affair for everyone.
Throughout the day, there will be lots to see and enjoy at Carnival in the City, including sponsors’ zones and 100% local food and arts and crafts vendors with affordable goods for sale.
New to this year’s launch, is the Children’s Zone, where schoolchildren and their parents and guardians will be able to experience a unique youth-based flavour of Trinidad and Tobago Carnival with cultural exhibitions, displays, giveaways and more.
At the Children’s Zone, the NCC will present its Love Letter to Carnival where schoolchildren would be invited to write what it is they love about Trinidad and Tobago Carnival for a mural that will be displayed at the Grand Stand, Queen’s Park Savannah for Carnival next year.
Starting at 4 pm, the afternoon action will heat up as Minister of Culture and Community Development, the Honourable Michelle Benjamin MP and NCC Chairman, Peter M. Kanhai welcome the public and officially signal the start of a star-studded concert featuring Swappi, Terri Lyons, Orlando Octave. Ravi B., Drupatee, Shal Marshall, Erphaan Alves and more.
Speaking about the Launch, NCC Chairman, Peter M. Kanhai said, “The idea behind Carnival in the City is to bring Carnival to a place where the people are so that they are able to truly enjoy and be a part of it as much as possible.”
“In bringing Carnival to the city, we are hoping to bring people to the city to come out and show their support for the culture, for the NCC, the Special Interest Groups, the vendors and small business community, and the Regional Carnivals because we are all part of Trinidad and Tobago Carnival,” Kanhai added.
This Friday, November 7, 2025, all members of the public are invited to join the NCC on the Brian Lara Promenade, Port of Spain, from 9 am, for Carnival in the City – A Proclamation with Spectacle and a Celebration with a Purpose.