COUVA, TRINIDAD – The Couva Carnival Committee (CCC) has announced a strategic partnership with former Panorama medium band champions Couva Joylanders Steel Orchestra to inaugurate the 2026 Carnival season with enhanced cultural programming. The official launch event is scheduled for Saturday, December 6, at 4 PM at the Couva Joylanders panyard on Railway Road, offering free admission to the public.
This collaboration signifies a deliberate effort to integrate the steelpan—Trinidad and Tobago’s national instrument—more deeply into Central Trinidad’s Carnival traditions. CCC Chairman Ramchand Rajbal Maraj emphasized the cultural significance, stating, “Couva Joylanders has established an outstanding reputation for excellence. Since pan represents a fundamental pillar of Carnival, we believed it essential for them to assume a more substantial role in our celebrations.”
Richard Gill, Executive Manager of Couva Joylanders, welcomed the initiative as a mutually beneficial development. “Our members are enthusiastic about collaborating with Couva Carnival to create additional platforms for pan enthusiasts to appreciate this art form. Beyond the launch, we plan to perform at multiple events throughout the season,” Gill confirmed. The steelband, which secured the Panorama medium band championship title in 2020, will headline the December launch alongside former National Calypso Monarch Terri Lyons, with additional performances by artists including Wacka Man and Johnny Ramnarine.
The committee extends an invitation to mas camp leaders and J’ouvert bands to exhibit costume designs and sketches for the 2026 season during the launch event, fostering an immersive Carnival atmosphere. Chairman Maraj promised that the 2026 celebrations would surpass previous years in spectacle and energy, though he acknowledged significant financial challenges. “While we receive annual funding from the National Carnival Commission, it remains insufficient to cover our complete budget. We consequently rely heavily on the generosity of both public and private sector partners,” Maraj disclosed.
Notably, the 2026 Carnival schedule features an expanded roster of events, including the Miss Central Trinidad Queen Pageant screening on January 3, calypso competitions on January 11, and the main Carnival events from February 12-17. The pageant finals coinciding with Valentine’s Day on February 14 will reportedly feature special surprises for attendees.