The Couva Carnival Committee (CCC) has officially announced the commencement of activities for Couva Carnival 2026, beginning with the screening of contestants for the Miss Central Trinidad Pageant on January 3rd at Lisas Gardens Community Centre. This year’s pageant, serving as the centerpiece of the six-day festivities, will take place on Valentine’s Day, February 14th, adding romantic significance to the traditional celebration.
CCC chairman Ramchand Rajbal Maraj revealed that special Valentine’s-themed surprises await both participants and attendees. “We encourage everyone to arrive promptly on Carnival Saturday night at the Couva Carnival Centre for an exceptional experience,” Maraj stated, hinting at potential prizes for lucky audience members.
The pageant serves as a strategic platform for aspiring models seeking advancement in the beauty industry, with organizers anticipating strong participation during the screening process. The event structure includes two preliminary activities: sponsor selection and contestant sashing on February 6th at Touch & Taste Restaurant, followed by a highly anticipated motorcade through central Trinidad’s communities on February 7th.
Maraj expressed confidence that the 2026 celebrations would surpass previous years in scale and quality, citing enhanced organizational structures through specialized sub-committees. The committee is actively seeking sponsorship support from both public and private sectors, emphasizing the events’ consistent ability to attract thousands of attendees due to their high production values.
Separately, auditions for the Couva Calypso Monarch competition—featuring both senior and junior categories—are scheduled for January 11th at Balmain Community Centre, further expanding the carnival’s artistic programming.