The National Carnival Commission (NCC) is set to officially inaugurate Carnival 2026 this Friday, marking a vibrant celebration of culture and tradition. The event will take place between Chacon and Abercrombie Streets along the Brian Lara Promenade, running from 9 am to 6 pm. Attendees can look forward to a rich array of activities, including traditional character displays, interactive exhibitions, workshops, dedicated kids’ zones, and a special performance by the 2025 Panorama champion, Republic Bank Exodus. The day will culminate in a concert showcasing some of the biggest names in calypso and soca music. Minister of Culture and Community Development Michelle Benjamin and NCC chairman Peter Kanhai are scheduled to deliver speeches at the event. This official launch follows a soft launch held on August 15 at the National Academy for the Performing Arts (NAPA), where Benjamin revealed a groundbreaking collaboration between her ministry and the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB). The partnership aims to conduct a comprehensive study of Carnival 2026, focusing on its economic impact and its role in generating revenue for Trinidad and Tobago.