Saturday, January 10, 2026, Port of Spain, Trinidad: The National Carnival Commission of Trinidad and Tobago (NCC) officially opened the John Cupid Carnival Village on Friday January 9, at the Queen’s Park Savannah, marking the start of an expanded cultural offering for Carnival 2026.
The opening night, which featured Traditional Carnival Characters, a wide variety of artisans, and several major entertainers, attracted a large and passionate audience, underscoring the deep national attachment to the John Cupid Carnival Village as a treasured cultural space.
During his welcome remarks, NCC Chairman, Peter Kanhai, faced criticism from sections of the crowd who expressed dissatisfaction with the relocation of the Village to the northwestern side of the Grand Stand at the Queen’s Park Savannah.
In acknowledging the reaction, the NCC Chairman noted that differing views were expected and assured patrons that the NCC would listen carefully to the feedback and continue working to improve the overall experience for the public.
“The decision to relocate the John Cupid Carnival Village was not taken lightly. The new location allows for the creation of a more spacious and more inclusive venue, capable of accommodating larger audiences for the wide range of cultural showcases, performances and events planned for Carnival 2026, all of which remain free to the public,” Mr. Kanhai said.
The NCC Chairman also noted that the expanded layout supports an enhanced programme of daytime activities, including school tours and educational initiatives designed to expose more young people to the historical, artistic, and cultural significance of Trinidad and Tobago’s Carnival in a well-structured and engaging environment.
“The passion with which the Carnival faithful have expressed their views is a powerful reminder of how deeply the John Cupid Carnival Village is valued,” Kanhai said.
“We appreciate the feedback shared both at the official opening and across other platforms and remain wholeheartedly committed to refining and enhancing the Village throughout the 2026 Carnival season,” he added.
The John Cupid Carnival Village continues to be a central pillar of the NCC’s Carnival 2026 programme, offering free and local nightly entertainment, cultural showcases and community-focused activities in celebration of Trinidad and Tobago’s Carnival traditions and creative talents.
Friday’s opening night celebrated the essence of Carnival, blending tradition with contemporary excellence, while allowing several local vendors the opportunity to generate business.
Patrons were treated to appearances by traditional Carnival characters, alongside performances by veteran calypsonian Crazy, reigning Young King Squeezy Rankin, Calypso Queen, Terri Ann Lyons, Ravi B, Iwer George, and soca star Patrice Roberts, whose high-energy sets brought the large audience to their feet.
Free and open to public each day until January 28, the John Cupid Carnival Village 2026 will be the place to see some of the biggest names in Calypso and Soca today, including Yung Bredda, GBM Nutron, Kernal Roberts, Ding Dong, Zan, Hanif Goodridge, Chuck Gordon and more who are performing on Saturday, January 10, starting at 7 pm.
Trinidad and Tobago Carnival 2026 continues under the theme “Yuh Go Love Dis,” with the NCC committed to delivering an experience that is inclusive, safe, and proudly local.
For more information events happening at the John Cupid Carnival Village, please visit the NCC’s website (ncctt.org), on Facebook and Instagram, or call 622-1670, Monday to Friday, between 8 am to 4pm.