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THE STAGE is set for Carnival 2026.
On August 15, the National Carnival Commission and the Ministry of Culture and Community Development launched Carnival 2026 at the National Academy for the Performing Arts (NAPA). The evening included a performance of the play, A Carnival Love Affair.
Newsday photographer Ayanna Kinsale attended and captured these images.
 
[caption id="attachment_1172514" align="alignnone" width="1024"] A blue devil from Next Level Devils performs at the Carnival 2026 launch, A Carnival Love Affair: A theatrical presentation at NAPA, Port of Spain, on August 15. - Photo by Ayanna Kinsale - Ayanna Kinsale[/caption]
 
[caption id="attachment_1172521" align="alignnone" width="1024"] A rhythm section performs during the launch of Carnival 2026 A Carnival Love Affair: A theatrical presentation at the NAPA, Port of Spain, on August 15. - Photo by Ayanna Kinsale[/caption]
[caption id="attachment_1172512" align="alignnone" width="1024"] Two-time Calypso Monarch Michael “Sugar Aloes” Osouna at the Carnival 2026 launch, A Carnival Love Affair: A theatrical presentation at NAPA, Port of Spain, on August 15. - Photo by Ayanna Kinsale[/caption]
[caption id="attachment_1172522" align="alignnone" width="1024"] This little spectator has fun with the Next Level Devils at the Carnival 2026 launch, A Carnival Love Affair: A theatrical presentation at NAPA, Port of Spain, on August 15. - Photo by Ayanna Kinsale[/caption]
[caption id="attachment_1172511" align="alignnone" width="1024"] From left, chutney legend Drupatee Ramgoonai, Minister of Culture and Community Development Michelle Benjamin, NCC chairman Peter Kanhai, steelpan arranger and composer Dr Len "Boogsie" Sharpe, and NCC CEO Keiba Jacob Mottley at the Carnival 2026 launch, A Carnival Love Affair: A theatrical presentation at NAPA, Port of Spain, on August 15. - Photo by Ayanna Kinsale[/caption]
[caption id="attachment_1172510" align="alignnone" width="1024"] This Baby Doll character portrayed by Natalie Duncan presents Minister of Culture and Community Development Michelle Benjamin with her baby at the Carnival 2026 launch, A Carnival Love Affair: A theatrical presentation at NAPA, Port of Spain, on August 15. - Photo by Ayanna Kinsale[/caption]
[caption id="attachment_1172515" align="alignnone" width="1024"] Members of the Molombo Folk Performers perform at the launch of Carnival 2026 at NAPA, Port of Spain, on August 15. - Photo by Ayanna Kinsale[/caption]
 
[caption id="attachment_1172519" align="alignnone" width="1024"] Soca icon Austin "Superblue" Lyons looks on as members of the Molombo Folk Performers perform at A Carnival Love Affair: A theatrical presentation at NAPA, Port of Spain, on August 15. - Photo by Ayanna Kinsale[/caption]
[caption id="attachment_1172516" align="alignnone" width="1024"] Various Carnival characters perform during the launch of Carnival 2026 A Carnival Love Affair: A theatrical presentation at the NAPA, Port of Spain, on August 15. - Photo by Ayanna Kinsale[/caption]
[caption id="attachment_1172520" align="alignnone" width="1024"] A scene from the play A Carnival Love Affair, during the launch of Carnival 2026 at NAPA, Port of Spain, on August 15. - Photo by Ayanna Kinsale[/caption]
[caption id="attachment_1172517" align="alignnone" width="1024"] This performer takes centre stage during the launch of Carnival 2026 A Carnival Love Affair: A theatrical presentation at NAPA, Port of Spain, on August 15. - Photo by Ayanna Kinsale[/caption]
 
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