Savannah springs to life as John Cupid Carnival Village opens

The National Carnival Commission (NCC) officially ushered in the Carnival 2026 season with the opening of the John Cupid Carnival Village last Friday at the Queen’s Park Savannah, signalling the start of an expanded and vibrant cultural offering for the national festival.

The opening night drew a large and enthusiastic crowd, treated to colourful appearances by traditional Carnival characters and a strong line-up of performances that reflected the breadth of local talent. Junior Calypso Monarch Xhaiden Darius and reigning Young King Squeezy Rankin showcased youthful excellence, while Calypso Queen Terri Ann Lyons delivered commanding performances rooted in social commentary and tradition.

The evening also featured sets from Jadel and Ravi B, with Iwer George bringing his trademark energy before soca star Patrice Roberts sent the audience to its feet with a high-octane performance that capped off the celebrations.

During his welcome remarks, NCC chairman Peter Kanhai addressed concerns raised by sections of the audience regarding the relocation of the Village to the north-western side of the Grand Stand at the Queen’s Park Savannah. Some patrons voiced dissatisfaction with the move, prompting Kanhai to explain the rationale behind the decision.

“The decision to relocate the John Cupid Carnival Village was not taken lightly,” Kanhai said. “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.”

Despite the mixed reactions, the John Cupid Carnival Village remains a central pillar of the NCC’s Carnival 2026 programme. The Village will offer nightly entertainment, cultural showcases and community-focused activities, celebrating Trinidad and Tobago’s rich Carnival traditions and creative talents, all at no cost to patrons.

The Village will be open daily to the public, providing a hub for music, culture and community as the Carnival season builds momentum.

For more information on events at the John Cupid Carnival Village, members of the public can visit the NCC’s website at ncctt.org, follow the NCC on Facebook and Instagram, or call 622-1670, Monday to Friday, between 8 am and 4 pm.