Dominica’s vibrant Carnival 2026 celebrations will officially commence with the traditional Jouvert festivities at 4:00 AM on Monday, February 16, according to an official schedule release from the Carnival Road Parade Committee. Committee member Charlene White-Christian confirmed the pre-dawn start time for the iconic street party that will run until 10:00 AM, featuring judging of electronic bands, Lapo Kabwit groups, and traditional masquerade gangs from the very beginning.
Electronic bands have been granted permission to join the celebrations starting at 6:00 AM, with White-Christian noting that some groups have requested earlier entry times. These requests will be coordinated through the Road Parade Committee and Dominica Festivals Committee (DFC) representatives who will provide on-the-ground assistance and guidance throughout the event.
The Carnival Monday schedule continues with the School Parade and Youth Mas beginning promptly at 11:00 AM, featuring children’s bands and floats alongside Traditional Groups. Participants planning to join both the Ole Mas Parade and school bands parade have been allocated a one-hour transition period to change costumes and regroup.
T-shirt bands will take to the streets at 2:00 PM on Monday, while the elaborate costume bands will make their appearance on Carnival Tuesday (February 17) starting at 11:00 AM. All costume bands have already designated their entry points to the parade route, with judging commencing immediately at 11:00 AM.
The winners’ parade will also occur on Carnival Tuesday beginning at 10:00 AM, showcasing the newly crowned Carnival royalty including queens, teens, princesses, Calypso King, Junior Monarch, and all participants from Mas Dominic 2026 pageantry events. Registered bands participating in the parades will be evaluated by an official panel of judges stationed primarily at the Dame Eugenia Charles Boulevard (Bayfront) judging point.