The start of Carnival 2023 has been postponed.
The National Carnival Commission of Trinidad and Tobago (NCC) announced today that the launch, originally scheduled for September 24 (Republic Day), is now set to take place on November 5 at 4:00 p.m.
The NCC said the decision came after careful consideration of the country’s ongoing 60th Independence celebrations and the significant number of cultural events to be held on or around Republic Day.
Commenting on the postponement, NCC Chairman Winston “Gypsy” Peters said, “Since the launch, we have tried to stick to our annual ritual of organizing it as close to Republic Day as possible. However, we cannot never mind the current climate of Independence celebrations, which include phenomenal events hosted at our sister organisations, Queen’s Hall Theater and NAPA, that weekend.
“As we aim to maximize public participation at the Launch, especially as we have added new features to this year’s event, including a carnival village, a Pan Yard experience and some of the best local arts and crafts and culinary experiences , we realized that the 60th anniversary celebrations are also an important historical moment that deserves maximum public focus and attention, from which we choose not to detract.”
In communicating the decision, Peters said: “Carnival is not what NCC does, it is what NCC IS. Launching what is being planned for 2023 as the Mother of All Carnivals is undoubtedly an undertaking that has consumed much of the organization’s time, energy and talent.”
He said: “While we’ve all been anxious to tease the world with tasty morsels of what to expect next year, as plans for the 60th celebrations continue to emerge and expand, it’s become clear that the most prudent measure would be to postpone the Launch of Carnival 2023 by the NCC to a date that will cater to as many stakeholders as possible.’
