With days to go before masqueraders flood the streets for Carnival 2026, the National Carnival Commission (NCC) reports signs of a bumper season as the festival’s energy grows at Flava Village.
Guardians Media spoke with NCC deputy chairman Kevan Gibbs at Flava Village, a central hub at the Queen’s Park Savannah in Port-of-Spain. Gibbs described an atmosphere of renewed energy and record-breaking participation, noting that attendance at NCC events already surpasses last year’s figures, with Flava Village emerging as the most popular NCC activity.
A senior NCC management figure suggested that 2025 saw about 76,000 attendees across NCC events, including Panorama, Calypso Fiesta, stick fighting, and other competitions. “That person told me that we have blown that out of the water as far as attendance,” Gibbs said, adding that data indicates the gains are more than incremental.
“Maybe a week and a half, two weeks ago, we crossed 300,000 people who have participated in NCC events,” he revealed, underscoring his belief that Carnival 2026 is on track to be among the most successful in recent memory.
Flava Village opened on January 8 as a curated space for culinary and cultural experiences, aimed at expanding vendor opportunities and enhancing the Carnival experience. It is a collaboration between the Ministry of Culture and Community Development and the NCC. Gibbs cited data showing 100,000 visitors passed through the village up to yesterday.
At the heart of the resurgence, Gibbs highlighted the Savannah as the festival’s epicenter, envisioning the Queen’s Park Savannah as Carnival’s capital where multiple events can run concurrently. He pointed to the Panorama semifinals as an example of the NCC’s expanded vision, likening the model to major international festivals where several stages operate simultaneously.
Safety remains a priority, Gibbs said, noting crime trends and ongoing collaboration with law enforcement. He cited national crime statistics, including 2025 recording the lowest murder rate in roughly 15 years, as part of the broader confidence in a secure Carnival environment. He referenced a police official’s observation about the strong turnout at Flava with no incidents reported, saying “Knock on wood.”
The Trinidad and Tobago Promoters’ Association (TTPA) expressed full support for Flava Village, rejecting claims that the initiative disrupts other Carnival events. TTPA advocate Paige De Leon described Flava Village as a “very, very good intervention” that strengthens opportunities for entertainers while expanding access for patrons.
Since its launch, Flava Village has hosted performances by artists such as Freetown Collective, Naila Blackman, Iwer George, Ravi B, Ding Dong, and Patrice Roberts. Machel Montano is expected to raise the tempo at Flava Village on Friday. Guardian Media reports that up-and-coming artists are paid for their performances, while established artists perform at reduced fees or for free.
De Leon praised Flava Village for broadening participation across the Carnival spectrum, arguing that a richer ecosystem attracts more people. She rejected suggestions that the free/open-access format siphons audiences from ticketed concerts and private events, insisting that more offerings yield greater overall participation and benefit for all.
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