00:00Music, masquerade, and culture took center stage at the Pigeon Point Heritage Park
00:05as organizers officially launched Tobago Carnival 2026.
00:09The event, dubbed The Awakening, drew hundreds of patrons for an evening of performances,
00:16costume displays, and a purview of what is expected when the festival returns later this year.
00:22Tourism Secretary Zerisha Hackett described Tobago Carnival as one of the island's most
00:27significant cultural and economic events. She said what began as an ambitious idea
00:33has grown into a festival that benefits communities and businesses across Tobago.
00:40Belief that creativity could become opportunity. Belief that carnival would be more than a celebration.
00:49It could be an economic driver. And five years later, that belief is alive and well.
00:57During Tobago Carnival, hotels are built. Businesses flourish. Vendors earn. Taxi drivers move.
01:05Designers create. Artists perform. Communities participate.
01:09This year's festival is scheduled to take place from October 30th to November 1st.
01:15Hackett said the success of Tobago Carnival demonstrates the island's ability to transform
01:21culture and creativity into opportunity.
01:24Five years of Tobago Carnival.
01:29We stand as proof that small islands can carry big dreams, bold vision, and global ambition.
01:38Tobago Carnival began as just an idea.
01:42But today, it is an identity.
01:46Chief Executive Officer of the Tobago Festivals Commission, Kern Cowan, said the festival continues
01:51to strengthen Tobago's position as a premier cultural destination.
01:56We began with an idea that became a movement, a movement that has generated opportunities for
02:05our people, showcased our culture to the world, and positioned Tobago as a premium festival destination
02:14in the Caribbean.
02:16With five years now behind it, organizers say Tobago Carnival has established its own identity,
02:24blending traditional culture, music, and mass into a celebration that continues to attract
02:29local and international attention.
02:32Elizabeth Williams, TV6 News.
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