Carnival preparations are officially underway, with the Trinidad and Tobago Carnival Bands Association (TTCBA) confirming a packed calendar of national competitions ahead of Carnival 2026.
The Association, which oversees nine national Carnival competitions related to mas, begins its competitive calendar this week with the preliminary rounds of the Kings and Queens of Carnival at the Queen’s Park Savannah on Wednesday evening.
TTCBA President Mark Ayen says turnout and participation numbers are already signalling a strong season.
“So we expect to have quite a good competitive competition beginning today for 2026, where the Kings and Queens are concerned.”
Attention is also turning to youth participation, with junior bands expected to feature prominently this Carnival.
While there may be fewer large senior bands, Mr. Ayen said the rise of smaller and junior groups reflects sustained public interest and room for future growth within the mas fraternity.
“So that says there’s room for a lot of growth where the bands are concerned and it’s also a signal that there is interest in Carnival, regardless of what may be outside in the public.”
Several events will also see changes in location this year, including the move of traditional and conventional individual competitions to Victoria Square.
Parade routes and ticket information are being shared primarily through the TTCBA’s digital platforms, as organisers place greater emphasis on media access and public awareness ahead of Carnival Monday and Tuesday.