The launch of Carnival 2023 has been postponed.
The National Carnival Commission of Trinidad and Tobago (NCC) today announced that the launch, originally carded for September 24 (Republic Day), is now set to take place on November 5 at 4 pm.
The NCC said the decision came after careful consideration of the nation’s ongoing 60th Anniversary of Independence celebrations, and the significant number of cultural events set to take place on or around Republic Day.
Commenting on the postponement, NCC Chairman, Winston “Gypsy” Peters, said: “Since the launch’s inception, we have tried to stay true to our annual ritual to stage it as close to Republic Day as possible. However, we could not be unmindful of the present climate of Independence celebrations, which include phenomenal events being hosted at our sister organisations, Queen’s Hall Theatre and NAPA, that weekend.”
“As we aim to maximise public participation at the Launch, especially as we have added new features to this year’s event, including a Carnival Village, a Pan Yard experience, and some of the best local arts and crafts and cuisine experiences, we understood that the 60th-anniversary celebrations are also a significant milestone that deserves the utmost public focus and attention, from which we choose not to detract.”
In communicating the decision, Peters said: “Carnival is not what NCC does, it’s what NCC IS. The Launch of what is being planned for 2023, as the Mother of All Carnivals, is clearly an undertaking that has consumed much of the organisation’s time, energy and talent.”
He said: “While we have all been anxious to tease the world with tasty morsels of what can be expected for next year, as the plans for the 60th celebrations continue to emerge and expand, it became evident that the most prudent move would be to postpone the NCC’s Launch of Carnival 2023 to a date that would cater to as many stakeholders as possible.’
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