Carnival Tuesday 2027: Parade of the Bands

What it is

Carnival Tuesday, 9 February 2027, is the day most people picture when they think of Trinidad Carnival. Bands come out in full costume, feathers, beads, sequins and all, and cross Port of Spain in the Parade of the Bands. It is the last day of Carnival: Ash Wednesday follows on 10 February.

Tuesday is also competition day. Bands are judged for the Band of the Year titles, and the songs played most often at the designated judging points decide the Road March. In 2026 that crown went to Machel Montano for "Encore".

What to expect

Start times are early and the day is long. Large all-inclusive bands move in sections, each with its own costume, and a whole band can take a long time to pass a single spot. Crossing a judging stage is the highlight: bands bunch up, the trucks turn the music up and everyone gives their best performance. Spectators line the routes, and many buy stand tickets to watch from a seat.

Tips

• Collect your costume early in Carnival week and try everything on, including shoes.
• Know where your band assembles, when it leaves and roughly where it finishes.
• The times shown here are placeholders until bands publish their 2027 road schedules.