The 2026 Carnival Schedule.
PHILIPSBURG--The St. Maarten Carnival Development Foundation (SCDF) has released the 2026 Carnival Schedule of Events for local, regional, and international audiences. In 2026, St. Maarten celebrates 55 years of its largest cultural event with a record 31 days of Carnival, including pre-Carnival activities. “We will showcase our Carnival culture in all its splendour, and we invite the world to Come, Experience LIFE,” said SCDF President Edwardo Radjouki.
Pre-events begin in March 2026. The official season opens April 10 with the opening of Carnival Village and closes May 5 with the burning of King Momo. “We are always excited for Carnival, and even more so for our 55th,” Radjouki said. “We have a schedule filled with culture, concerts, and culinary, all in the heart and soul of the festival, Carnival Village.”
Culture leads the way with 12 local show nights. The first two weeks feature strictly local, culture-themed events. Highlights include Three parades, including a brand new lighted second-day Grand Parade; five jump-ups, with the return of the French-Dutch Unity Jump-Up; four pageants, including the Teen Carnival Queen Pageant and Caribbean Queen Pageant; six international concerts across popular genres and show brands; the return of Soca Rumble; a special tribute concert for Leroy “King Beau Beau” Brooks, From Then to Now and the DJ Takeover Concert, a special show featuring local DJs.
In the weeks leading up to Carnival 2026, SCDF said it will honour Carnival stalwarts for their service to the festival. “Many have given their all to ensure Carnival’s survival and growth,” Radjouki said. “We have selected a few to honour, and we will announce them in due time.”
The official schedule is once again sponsored by Republic Bank, extending a partnership of more than two decades. Under Managing Director Sterl Lyons, Republic has increased its contribution and involvement. “Our relationship with Republic is invaluable,” Radjouki noted.
Design credit goes to local graphic designer Cleon Frederick, SCDF’s designer for 15 years. "Cleon's touch, is Cleon's touch, what can we say," Radjouki said while lauding Frederick. Photography in the schedule includes images by local photographer Howard Villarreal, and historic black and white images provided by former teacher John van Sluis. The schedule is also adorned with the commemorative 55th Carnival logo by Jeanelle Hunt-Mardembrough, winner of SCDF’s special logo competition.
Radjouki said promotion for Carnival 2026 starts immediately. Troupe leaders have announced themes, promoters are advancing events, and all four pageants have their contestants. “It is now planning and execution,” Radjouki said. “We are ready and eager. Excitement is high for the anniversary year. We are seeing record registrations, many new parade troupes, and the return of stalwart Gordon Yee. There is something for everyone in Carnival Village with local and international shows. The public asked for a packed Carnival in 2026, and we believe we have delivered. When the chance comes to play mas on another level, to fete like only we can, we seize it. We will showcase our Carnival culture in all its splendour, and we invite the world to Come, Experience LIFE.”
