Jacmel kicks off Carnival 2026, reaffirming its role as Haiti’s cultural vanguard | PHOTOS

JACMEL — While uncertainty continues to surround the organization of Haiti’s national carnival, the southeastern city of Jacmel moved decisively to claim the cultural spotlight.

On Sunday, Jan. 18, Jacmel became one of the first cities in the country to officially launch the 2026 carnival season, drawing thousands of residents and visitors into the streets for a day of music, dance and visual spectacle under the theme “Jacmel in Our Dreams.”

The launch followed a Jan. 8 announcement by the Ministry of Culture and Communication (MCC) designating Jan. 18 as the start of the national carnival season. While many Haitians have debated whether the crisis-stricken country should celebrate Carnival, in Jacmel, however, the festivities took on added symbolic weight, reinforcing the city’s long-standing reputation as Haiti’s artistic and cultural capital.

Local and judicial authorities, representatives of the Haitian National Police, departmental officials, civil society leaders and well-known carnival organizing figures attended the opening ceremony, signaling broad institutional support for the event.

Baranquilla Avenue served as the epicenter of the celebration, transformed into a vast public stage. Dance groups and marching bands, alongside rope-throwing troupes, paraded through the corridor, including Paj d’Art, Explosion, Grand Soleil, Asotò, Fresh Style, Show Biz and Dolphins.

DJ-led music sets kept the crowds moving well into the afternoon, as revelers danced, filmed performances, and filled sidewalks and balconies. The festivities continued until about 5 p.m., with a festive yet orderly atmosphere.

Jacmel’s early start stands in contrast to the national debate surrounding Carnival 2026, particularly concerns over security, logistics and funding in Port-au-Prince. While authorities have yet to disclose details about the national carnival’s host city or budget, Jacmel has already laid out a clear cultural calendar.

City officials say celebrations will continue every weekend through Feb. 17, culminating in the traditional carnival days, offering residents and visitors a sustained series of artistic encounters.

“The 2026 Carnival will be an artistic journey,” Mayor Louise César said, “where masks, costumes, music and choreography bring to life the Jacmel of our dreams.”

The following images capture moments from Jacmel’s Carnival 2026 launch — scenes of movement, color and collective joy — as the city once again turns imagination into public celebration.

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