Haiti Carnival 2026 opens with vibrant first-day parades

Haiti’s streets came alive Sunday as the first major parades of Carnival 2026 unfolded across Cap-Haïtien, Jacmel, Fort-Liberté and other major cities.

Bands pounded out rhythms that pulsed through the crowds, dancers moved in sync with brass and percussion, and brightly colored costumes filled the streets with energy. Families and friends lined parade routes, cheering and celebrating each performance.

From Cap-Haïtien’s historic boulevards to Jacmel’s seaside avenues, the air rang with drums, chachas and cowbells. Artisans showcased striking papier-mâché masks — bold, hand-shaped faces painted in vivid colors — while dancers in traditional and contemporary costumes performed to the steady beat of marching bands.

In Fort-Liberté, parade groups advanced through the town center as residents cheered and recorded the festivities on their phones. In Gonaïves, the opening day carried the familiar sounds of percussion, whistles and applause that signal the start of Carnival season.

In Port-de-Paix, marching bands including Polo Band, Roulo Band, Papayo Band and LouLou Band filled the streets as thousands gathered downtown. Despite organizational challenges and a citywide blackout that left parts of the route in darkness, revelers continued dancing and following the bands through the main corridors.

In Jacmel, carnivalgoers have gathered every weekend since Jan. 18. The festivities peaked Sunday as DJs, dance companies, artists and models paraded through the main streets of the tourist city.

Across the north, northwest and south, the first day of Carnival 2026 highlighted both the craftsmanship of costume makers and the deep local attachment to this annual cultural tradition.

Onz Chéry, Edxon Francisque, Onès Joseph, and Kervenson Martial contributed to the story

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