Dimanche Gras 2027

What it is

Dimanche Gras ("fat Sunday") is the big stage show on the Sunday night before Carnival, which falls on 7 February 2027. Visit Trinbago describes it as a night of big, intricately detailed costumes that also includes the final of the National Calypso Monarch competition. The show has traditionally been linked with the King and Queen of Carnival: giant individual costumes that are part sculpture, part engineering, carried or wheeled across the stage by a single masquerader.

In 2026 the Calypso Monarch final was held at the Grand Stand of the Queen's Park Savannah, and Terri Lyons took the title with "Blessings". The 2026 Senior Kings and Queens of Carnival finals were also held on Dimanche Gras, where Curtis Eustace and Roxanne Omalo retained their crowns. The 2027 programme, venue, times and ticket details had not been published when this page was last updated.

What to expect

A long, theatrical night. Calypsonians perform their competition songs with costumes, props and backing casts, often with sharp social and political commentary. Many locals watch on TV, but being in the stands gives you a real sense of scale.

Tips

• Tickets are usually sold in the weeks before Carnival. Watch NCC and TUCO announcements for 2027 details.
• The show ends late and J'ouvert starts at about 4am, so plan your night if you are doing both.
• Read up on a few calypso finalists beforehand. Knowing the lyrics makes the commentary land.