02/17/2026
The police and Mayor of San Fernando sabotaged the Midnight Mas celebration by cutting it off prematurely, with no clear reason given.
Masqueraders were left in shock and utter disappointment after spending their hard-earned money to purchase Midnight Mas packages from bands — only to have the experience taken away without warning.
Events like these take months of planning, sacrifice, and investment. Vendors prepare, bands prepare, masqueraders prepare — and in a moment, it was shut down. No explanation. No consideration.
For too long, factors like this have been allowed to destroy the Carnival celebration in San Fernando, Trinidad. Carnival is culture. Carnival is livelihood. Carnival is freedom of expression.
If we continue like this, what message are we sending to promoters, small businesses, and the young people trying to keep the culture alive?
San Fernando deserves better. Our culture deserves respect.