The Ministry of Culture and Community Development, in collaboration with the National Carnival Commission of Trinidad and Tobago (NCC), officially opened ‘Flava Village – A Carnival Culinary Experience’ yesterday, January 8, 2026, marking a major new addition to the Trinidad and Tobago Carnival landscape.
The opening event was attended by the Honourable Kamla Persad Bissessar SC, MP, Prime Minister of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago, the Honourable Michelle Benjamin, Minister of Culture and Community Development, Dr. Narindra Roopnarine, Parliamentary Secretary, Ministry of Culture and Community Development, Mr. Peter Kanhai, Chairman of the NCC; alongside other Government Ministers, Carnival stakeholders, creatives and members of the public.
For the first time, Flava Village introduces a purposefully curated culinary and cultural space designed to enhance the Queen’s Park Savannah’s atmosphere. This initiative brings structure, visibility and improved operating conditions to food, beverage and artisan operators who have long formed part of the Savannah Carnival experience.
Flava Village features 50 vendor booths, including 45 food and beverage booths and 5 artisan booths, which operate in addition to the existing food and beverage vending at the Queen’s Park Savannah. This space supports vendors through improved infrastructure, increased foot traffic, enhanced safety and a more consistent operating schedule throughout the Carnival season.
Speaking at the opening, Minister Benjamin highlighted the importance of Flava Village to Trinidad and Tobago’s Carnival experience, stating “This experience guarantees that vendors will see a profit. There will be live cooking, there will be a showcase of our culture. More importantly, Flava Village is an opportunity. It is about giving our small businesses a platform.”
Early feedback from vendors has been overwhelmingly positive, with many reporting strong sales, including several vendors indicating that they were completely sold out and expressing 
appreciation for the organisation, visibility and supportive environment provided through the Flava Village experience on the opening night.
Flava Village will operate from 4:00 p.m. to 11:00 p.m. daily. Admission is free, allowing patrons from all communities to enjoy the experience and take part in Carnival activities in a safe, welcoming and inclusive environment.
In addition to food and drink, Flava Village showcases arts and handicraft from a wide cross- section of local artisans, further expanding earning opportunities for creatives. The entertainment experience is brought to life through guest DJs, live acoustic performances and appearances by some of Carnival’s most recognisable entertainers.
Traditional Carnival characters and storytelling elements are infused throughout the Village, with costumed performers such as the Midnight Robber and Blue Devils adding heritage and folklore to the experience. At every stage, patrons are encouraged to deepen their appreciation for Trinidad and Tobago Carnival and the traditions, people and creativity that sustain it. Flava Village is designed to be 100% local, 100% interactive and 100% small entrepreneurs, reinforcing Carnival’s role as both a cultural celebration and a driver of economic activity.
The Ministry of Culture and Community Development also looks forward to welcoming the public to the Opening of the John Cupid Carnival Village, taking place this evening, Friday January 9, 2026, from 7:00 p.m. at the Queen’s Park Savannah.
Members of the public, visitors and all Carnival lovers alike are encouraged to experience Flava Village and the John Cupid Carnival Village, as part of this year’s greatest show on earth, Trinidad and Tobago’s Carnival 2026.