Mandatory Compliance Regarding the Protection of Public and Private Property During Carnival Celebrations

The St. Kitts and Nevis National Carnival Committee wishes to inform all stakeholders, especially J’ouvert Troupes and revelers, that as the upcoming Carnival season approaches, we are requiring full and immediate cooperation to address a critical issue — the protection of our public and private property.

The Cabinet has expressed serious concern over previous celebrations, particularly during J’ouvert, where non-removable paints and liquids were used by some participants. These substances have caused extensive and lasting damage to infrastructure, including the Government Headquarters building, its surrounds, and sections of the Bay Road corridor (Pond’s Pasture and Newtown). These damages remain visible almost a year later, which is unacceptable.

In order to prevent a recurrence and safeguard our beloved environment, the following guidelines must be adhered to by all participants:

1. All troupes, bands, and revelers must use only water-soluble, biodegradable, and easily washable paints and substances.

2. The defacement of any government property—including buildings, roads, sidewalks, and public monuments—is strictly prohibited and will be subject to prosecution.

3. The defacement of private property, businesses, and residential buildings is also prohibited.

Please note that participation in official Carnival events is contingent upon compliance with these guidelines. The use of any permanent paint or substance by any troupe or reveler will result in the troupe’s disqualification from the competition and a ban from participation in future SKNNCC events.

For the First Time in History, Sugar Mas 54 will be Featured at CTO’s Caribbean Week in New York

As part of the Caribbean Tourism Organization’s (CTO) Caribbean Week in New York, the St. Kitts Tourism Authority (SKTA) and the St. Kitts and Nevis National Carnival Committee (SKNNCC) will collaborate for the first time in history, to welcome international media and influencers to an evening of vibrant Kittitian culture as excitement continues to build for what will be the largest, most exciting and economically lucrative Sugar Mas in the Federation’s 54 years of hosting its National Carnival. This event will take place on June 4, 2025, at Jasmine’s Caribbean Cuisine, located in Times Square, New York.

Along with officials from the SKTA management team, St Kitts Government officials, and the SKNNCC, the traditional masquerades and models in carnival costumes will feature throughout the evening’s activities to provide a visual showcase of Caribbean culture.

The media and influencers will be treated to a cocktail reception and dinner designed to highlight and elevate the cultural diversity of St. Kitts. The SKTA team will engage in networking and meaningful conversations in an effort to build strong and valuable industry connections. This setting will offer influencers and media representatives an environment to engage with the destination, gather content, and amplify coverage across their platforms.

The run-of-show has been developed to ensure a balance of structured presentations with informal engagement. The program allows St. Kitts executives to share key information with attendees in a conversational format, while also providing ample time for networking and casual interactions.

The SKNNCC will use this opportunity to launch its official Sugar Mas 54 event calendar, featuring almost 50 events, to international travel media and will also launch the calendar to carnival lovers via its social media platforms on the same date – June 4, a record 6 months before the official start of Sugar Mas 54. This early launch will give carnival lovers worldwide the opportunity to plan well in advance to join us in St Kitts and Nevis to celebrate what is deemed as the fastest growing Carnival in the Caribbean. Planning for Sugar Mas is well underway. The Miss St Kitts-Nevis Queen Pageant contestants have been selected and will be launched during the St Kitts Music Festival’s weekend of activities. Sugar Mas 54 will be held from December 12, 2025, to January 2, 2026, with the slogan “SWEET TO THE CORE…SUGAR MAS 54”.

Trinidad Carnival 2026: First Look at Costume Band Themes!

As the pulse of soca and calypso begins to quicken, Trinidad Carnival 2026 is officially on the horizon. With the main festivities set for February 16 and 17, masquerade bands have already unveiled their spectacular themes and costume designs, giving the world a taste of the magic to come. Early launches signal that the “Greatest Show on Earth” will be as vibrant and creative as ever, and now is the time to start planning.

Thematic revelations: A glimpse into Carnival 2026

The annual band laun

ches are a defining moment, setting the tone for the entire Carnival season. This year, the reveal of themes has showcased a mix of classic fantasy, opulent escapism, and cultural storytelling.

The TRIBE conglomerate led the charge with a collective launch in July 2025 that drew massive crowds.

YUMA: Luxe – A Lavish Escape. Unveiled in June 2025, YUMA’s designs are all about glamour and opulence. The theme invites masqueraders to indulge in a luxurious and transformative experience, with each costume representing a chapter in a story of indulgence and freedom.

Spirit Mas: Home for 2026. This presentation offers a more culturally rooted theme, featuring nine sections inspired by ancestral ties from around the globe. The designs are expected to be rich with meaning and deep storytelling.

Your guide to playing mas in 2026

If you’re planning to participate in the parade, now is the time to start organizing. Here are some key tips for an unforgettable Carnival experience:

Whether you’re a first-timer or a seasoned masquerader, the diverse themes for Carnival 2026 promise a visually stunning and deeply energetic celebration. The road is calling, and the costumes are waiting—the magic of Trinidad Carnival is already beginning.