The Trinidad and Tobago Red Cross Society is poised to commemorate a significant milestone as its Children’s Carnival prepares for its 70th anniversary celebration on February 7 at the Grand Stand Queen’s Park Savannah in Port of Spain. This venerable event, which traces its origins to humble beginnings under a savannah tree in 1956, has evolved into the nation’s premier children’s carnival competition.
Initially conceived by Lady Beetham of The British Red Cross as a fundraising initiative, the event underwent a transformative shift five years later when the late Aubrey Adams assumed organizational leadership. His stewardship brought about the current nomenclature and established the participation age limit of 16 years that endures to this day.
The historical tapestry of Children’s Carnival includes memorable stage presentations by esteemed institutions including Holy Name Convent, Fatima College, Bishops Anstey School, the TT Police Service, the Soroptimist Club of San Fernando, and St Anthony’s College. Today, the Red Cross spectacle maintains its unique distinction as potentially the only stage event that crowns category winners, event royalty, and Band of the Year simultaneously during the same presentation.
With the 2026 theme “De real Mas, before De Big Mas. Mas with a purpose,” the organization anticipates welcoming over 3,000 costumed young participants across multiple categories. Four specialized judging panels will oversee the competition to ensure efficient proceedings and timely conclusion.
Under chairman Randal Halfhide’s leadership, the organizing committee has embarked on an ambitious dual mission: producing a carnival show of exceptional quality while fundraising for a fully equipped ambulance. Halfhide acknowledges the challenge of financing both production costs and the vehicle acquisition but emphasizes the critical need for emergency medical transportation nationwide.
“We recognize the substantial undertaking of simultaneously staging a major production and raising funds for such a costly essential,” Halfhide stated. “While achieving both objectives completely within one year may prove ambitious, we remain committed to this vital goal.”
The committee has embraced digital innovation through collaboration with technology expert Sean Powell, implementing online registration systems and exploring YouTube broadcasting capabilities to globalize the event’s reach. Halfhide expressed confidence in his team’s composition, noting “a strong new committee of young minds and experienced talents, all of whom share a genuine affection for both children and the mas tradition.”
Despite needing additional sponsorship to cover the $750,000 production budget, the committee maintains optimistic outlook. The National Carnival Commission (NCC) has provided platinum sponsorship and logistical guidance, with chairman Peter Kanhai and his team offering valuable expertise in venue utilization and event planning.
Registration for participants remains open, with information available through dedicated telephone lines. The event continues to welcome additional support for both production elements and the ambulance fundraising initiative.