The Couva Carnival Committee (CCC) has unveiled ambitious plans for its 2026 festivities, commencing with the screening of aspirants for the Miss Central Trinidad Pageant on January 3rd at Lisas Gardens Community Centre. This year’s pageant gains distinctive prominence as it coincides with Valentine’s Day celebrations on February 14th, promising unique romantic-themed surprises for both participants and attendees.
CCC chairman Ramchand Rajbal Maraj revealed that the committee has engineered special Valentine’s-inspired attractions that will create memorable experiences for carnival-goers. “We encourage everyone to arrive promptly on Carnival Saturday evening at the Couva Carnival Centre for an exceptional spectacle,” Maraj announced. “Attendees might depart with extraordinary Valentine-themed surprises that will make this celebration truly unforgettable.”
The pageant serves as the centerpiece of Couva’s six-day carnival extravaganza and functions as a strategic springboard for young women pursuing careers in the beauty industry. Maraj anticipates robust participation during the screening process, noting the event’s established reputation for launching successful pageant careers.
Two significant preliminary events will precede the grand finals: the sponsor selection and contestant sashing ceremony at Touch & Taste Restaurant in California on February 6th, followed by an extensive motorcade through central Trinidad’s communities on February 7th.
Maraj projected that the 2026 celebrations would surpass previous years in scale and quality, citing enhanced organizational structures with specialized sub-committees overseeing specific event aspects. The committee is actively seeking increased sponsorship support from both public and private sector entities, emphasizing the events’ demonstrated capacity to attract thousands of participants due to their exceptional production quality.
In parallel developments, auditions for the Couva Calypso Monarch competitions will commence on January 11th at Balmain Community Centre, featuring both senior and junior categories starting at 9:00 AM.