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 was among the first cities to officially launch Haiti’s 2026 carnival season, as thousands filled the streets on Sunday, Jan. 18, to watch cultural performances and dance to music spun by DJs, particularly along Baranquilla Avenue. Video by Danise Davide Lejustal for The Haitian Times.

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.

The conference room at the Jacmel Town Hall, where officials kick off the 2026 Carnival season on Sunday, Jan. 18, 2026. Photo by Danise Davide Lejustal for The Haitian Times.
Journalist Joël Pierre, the MC of the event—flanked by a hostess in traditional carnival colors— leads the kick-off ceremony of the 2026 Carnival in Jacmel on Sunday, Jan. 18, 2026. Photo by Danse Davide Lejustal for The Haitian Times.
R-L: Magalie Belneau, departmental director of the Haitian National Police; Jude Pierre Michel Lafontant, Department Delegate of the Southeast; Louise César, mayor of Jacmel; and Clément Jouloute, deputy government commissioner, attending the opening ceremony of the 2026 Carnival in Jacmel on Sunday, Jan. 18, 2026. Photo by Danise Davide Lejustal for The Haitian Times.
In the front row, from left to right, three officials of the Haitian National Police (PNH) attend the opening ceremony of the 2026 Carnival in Jacmel on Sunday, Jan. 18, 2026. They include Lenet Honoré, deputy commissioner for the Southeast Department; Gary Victor, municipal commissioner and spokesperson for the departmental police; and Venicide Agella, a member of the departmental police communication team. Photo by Danise Davide Lejustal for The Haitian Times.
A model poses in the Jacmel Town Hall conference room during the 2026 Carnival kick-off ceremony on Sunday, Jan. 18, 2026. Photo by Danise Davide Lejustal for The Haitian Times.
Models parading the streets of Jacmel during the official launch of the 2026 Carnival on Sunday, Jan. 18, 2026. Photo by Danise Davide Lejutal for The Haitian Times.
Models parading the streets of Jacmel during the official launch of the 2026 Carnival on Sunday, Jan. 18, 2026. Photo by Danise Davide Lejutal for The Haitian Times.
Dancers from the Explosion group perform in the streets on the first day of the 2026 Carnival in Jacmel on Sunday, Jan. 18, 2026. Photo by Fanise Davide Lejustal for The Haitian Times.
Rope throwers animate the crowd during the kickoff of the 2026 Carnival in Jacmel on Sunday, Jan. 18, 2026. Photo by Danise Davide Lejustal for The Haitian Times.
L-R: Agronomist Samise Pierre and her niece Rose Berline Pierre stand on the official stage of the 2026 Carnival in Jacmel on Sunday, Jan. 18, 2026. Photo by Danise Davide Lejustal for The Haitian Times.
Some artists join rope throwers to electrify the crowd with various street tricks during the first day of the 2026 Carnival in Jacmel on Sunday, Jan. 18, 2026. Photo by Danise Davide Lejustal for The Haitian Times.

The post Jacmel kicks off Carnival 2026, reaffirming its role as Haiti’s cultural vanguard | PHOTOS appeared first on The Haitian Times.