Trinidad and Tobago’s Greatest Show on Earth has, for years, been a tourist attraction. With 100 days to go before the two-day street parade in Port-of-Spain, the excitement is steadily building and with momentum, the National Carnival Commission is moving full speed ahead.
Traditional carnival characters will be out in full costume on Friday at the Brian Lara Promenade.
Carnival 2026 will be publicly launched at the Brian Lara Promenade on Friday, November 7th. The NCC, in a media release said the spectacle will begin at 9am and go through the day, transforming the city’s hub into an active thoroughfare featuring all things T&T carnival. Th event will feature traditional Carnival characters, informative workshops and exhibitions, a mini concert from reigning Panorama champions, Republic Bank Exodus Steel Orchestra, and much more. “In bringing Carnival to the city, we’re hoping to bring people to the city to come out and show their support for the culture, for the NCC, the Special Interest Groups, the vendors and small business community, and the Regional Carnivals because we’re all part of Trinidad and Tobago Carnival,” said NCC Chairman, Peter Kanhai.
TEACHING THE YOUTH ABOUT CARNIVAL
This year, the NCC will introduce something they’re calling, “The Children’s Zone,” where school children and their parents and guardians will be able to experience a distinct youth-oriented energy to Trinidad and Tobago’s Carnival. The zone will feature cultural exhibitions, displays, giveaways and more, even offering youths the opportunity to pen a ‘Love Letter to Carnival.’ “School children would be invited to write what it is they love about Trinidad and Tobago Carnival for a mural that will be displayed at the Grand Stand, Queen’s Park Savannah for Carnival next year,” the press release explained.
At 4pm, a concert will engage the public with performances by Swappi, Terri Lyons, Orlando Octave, Ravi B, Drupatee, Shal Marshall, Erphaan Alves and other featured cultural acts.
Back in August, at the corporate launch of Carnival, Minister of Culture, the Arts and Community Development, Michelle Benjamin, shared her ministry’s vision for carnival.
Well known event promoter, Glenroy Watson, has passed away. He died of natural causes on April 1st, in Port -of- Spain, Trinidad.
Watson’s legacy in the event landscape in Trinidad and Tobago stands as one rooted in the philosophy of delivering value to patrons, something that was the benchmark of every ‘I Am Legend’ concert in T&T and certainly countless other events hosted across the region and internationally.
Hands on and meticulous in his approach, Watson prided himself as a no nonsense promoter.
Most recently, in the aftermath of Carnival 2026, he hosted the Majah Hype comedy show, ‘Majah Issues’, at the Southern Academy for the Performing Arts, in Trinidad and was preparing for a major concert event in Trinidad, at the time of his passing.
At this time, the bereaved extends gratitude to well- wishers and asks for privacy and understanding as preparations for Watson’s home-going ceremony get underway.
All further details will be relayed at a later time.
“If this sharing that I’m doing touches anyone, I’m truly grateful. None of us are perfect. Some days you’ll feel good, some days you won’t, but it’s all part of the journey. Sometimes what you’re looking for is right on the horizon, and the moment you give up, you miss it. If my testimony makes anyone feel something, then my work here is done.” – DESTRA GARCIA
Trinidad and Tobago received a musical showcase of spiritual awakening yet again this past Saturday, at Destra’s ‘Reflections: Sound. Spirit. Surrender.” The event took place at Queen’s Hall, St. Ann’s and proved to be a truly inspiring and uplifting musical experience.
From the onset, the show set a standard that fans of good music with powerful lyrics, would rave about for weeks. David Rudder – a cultural icon of Calypso music out of Trinidad and Tobago, welcomed the audience as he hit the stage first delivering the very fitting, ‘High Mas.’ It was a powerful blessing no doubt – something that would lead into a seamless spiritual production. He was subsequently joined on stage by Destra, something that created a full-circle moment that drew immediate emotion from the audience.
Destra with King David Michael Rudder.
Known for her unmistakeable vocal ability, Destra took her audience on a carefully curated musical journey, opening her set with Free Again before transitioning into slowed-down, soul-stirring renditions of some of her most beloved songs, including Love Somebody and Fly and with each performance, she revealed a different layer of her artistry, offering vulnerability, reflection, and strength.
One of the night’s most touching highlights came as Garcia shared the stage with her daughter, Xaiya, for a heartfelt duet of The Prayer. Beginning at the piano, Xaiya gently set the tone before joining her mother in song, creating an intimate moment that resonated deeply with the audience.
Destra’s daughter, Xaiya on the piano.
The production, which was creatively directed by Zara Bartels and Isoke Edwards, also showcased the incredible talent of father and son pan duo Martin and De’jean Cain as well as the Maria Regina Grade School and St. Joseph’s Convent Port- of- Spain choirs, whose vibrant and polished performances brought a refreshing, youthful energy to the stage. Gospel artiste, Nisa joined Garcia for a powerful duet of Bridge Over Troubled Water. She also performed her original composition Make Me Over, adding another layer of spiritual depth to the evening.
As the show built toward its finale, Garcia delivered a commanding rendition of Ella Andall’s Bring Down the Power, followed by classic hymns including A Little More Oil in My Lamp. This climactic segment was elevated by the presence of traditional belle dancers and African drummers, creating a rich, cultural fusion that brought the audience to its feet. Beyond the performances, the overall production, brought to life through Bridgette Wilson’s choreography and Atiba Borde’s costuming, stood out for its seamless execution, immersive ambience, and thoughtful storytelling, reinforcing Reflections as more than just a concert, but a transformative experience.
Reflections certainly delivered a powerful blend of music, filled with deep messages and meaning. In what is a very spiritual season, Destra, through the delivery of ‘Reflections,’ has carved out a space for inspiration and connection within Trinidad and Tobago’s cultural landscape – something that many would agree, is a necessity more than an option.
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