Government Invests $137 Million in Carnival 2026, Creating Jobs

# Government Invests $137 Million in Carnival 2026, Creating Jobs and Supporting Communities

The Government of Trinidad and Tobago has allocated approximately $137 million for Carnival 2026, resulting in the creation of nearly 2,000 jobs and providing vital support to vendors, regional communities, and cultural workers. Minister of Culture and Community Development, Michelle Benjamin, shared these figures during a news conference at the United National Congress headquarters in Chaguanas.

According to Minister Benjamin, direct government support for Carnival operations has led to the employment of 1,447 individuals. This workforce includes 400 road marshals, 200 ushers, and 83 compliance officers, alongside custodians, laborers, electricians, carpenters, welders, administrators, creatives, and event coordinators involved in various Carnival activities.

When factoring in employment generated through mas bands, steelpan events, costume production, logistics, security services, and the hospitality sector, the total number of jobs created for Carnival 2026 is nearly 2,000.

### Regional Development and Public Safety

Significant funding has also been directed toward regional Carnival development, with over $6 million allocated to 32 Regional Carnival Committees across the country. These funds have supported community-based Carnival activities, including traditional mas, Canboulay, stickfighting, and dragon festivals, thereby expanding economic participation beyond Port of Spain.

Public safety has been another major area of expenditure, with the Government spending $3.2 million on security arrangements for Carnival 2026. This investment includes coordination among the Trinidad and Tobago Police Service, Trinidad and Tobago Fire Service, REACT, compliance officers, and private security personnel assigned to major venues and events.

An additional $5.2 million has been spent on sanitation and beautification efforts. This funding has been used for cleaning services, infrastructure upgrades at Carnival venues, and the maintenance of public spaces, entry points, roundabouts, and squares utilized throughout the season.

### Vendor Participation and Economic Impact

Vendor participation has also played a crucial role in the Carnival economy. The Ministry received 411 digital vendor applications, processing them within seven days. A total of 211 vendors, including food and craft vendors, were approved to operate during the Carnival season at major locations and regional events, generating short-term income.

Major Carnival hubs, such as Flava Village, the Queen’s Park Savannah, and John Cupid Carnival Village, experienced substantial patronage during the season. Flava Village alone attracted over 150,000 patrons, while attendance at the Queen’s Park Savannah surpassed the total recorded for the entire previous season. John Cupid Carnival Village saw more than 45,000 patrons, an 18% increase compared to the previous year. This high attendance has contributed to ongoing economic activity throughout the Carnival period.

Due to the overwhelming success, Minister Benjamin announced plans to expand Flava Village to southern Trinidad next year, stating, “Carnival cannot live only in Port of Spain; it must travel, grow, and belong to everyone.”

### Boost in Tourism

The Carnival season has also positively impacted tourism. Minister Benjamin noted that visitors are returning to Trinidad and Tobago, representing restored confidence in the destination. The ministry projected approximately 37,613 visitors for the season, reflecting a 10% increase in Carnival tourism, with hotels reporting full occupancy, further contributing to employment and revenue in the hospitality sector.

Minister Benjamin emphasized that Carnival 2026 is structured around public investment, job creation, and expanded access to economic participation. She stated, “When we speak about a bumper Carnival, we are not just talking about crowd size or party vibes. A bumper Carnival is one where people can earn; people can participate; people can feel safe; people can feel proud; and where people feel included…And that is exactly what Carnival 2026 represents.”

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