Photos and Article – Xvibes Lead : Jermaine Cruickshank
The curtains came down on the fifth year of Tobago Carnival and, by all indications, it was indeed a tremendous success. And if this is a sign of bigger things to come, I can only say that the Carnival may be over, but in the words of Aaron “Voice” St Louis, “It’s Far From Finished.”
Thousands converged on the sunny island, coming from Trinidad and further afield, with visitors from Canada, Haiti, St Lucia, New York and elsewhere adding an international flavour to the celebrations. From the airport to the fetes, food, culture and finally the road, Tobago was alive.
Yet again, Fog Angels, led by bandleader Tele Cruz, ruled the road from J’Ouvert to Last Lap. Cruz clearly has the recipe and knows how to mix the ingredients needed to execute events of this magnitude.
And I will say respectfully to Chief Secretary Farley Augustine: give Tele Cruz and his Fog Angels team a special advisory role in marketing not just Tobago Carnival, but the “Greatest Little Island on the Planet.” Partner him alongside Secretary of Tourism Zorisha Hackett, who also did an amazing job ensuring the airport showcased Tobago and provided that welcoming feel for visitors arriving locally and internationally.
Together, they could be a dynamic duo for Tobago tourism—and from there, the sky could be the limit.
One visitor certainly enjoying that Tobago experience was Jamaican dancehall star and Queen of Dancehall Spice, who got her first taste of Trinidad and Tobago’s Carnival culture.
And Spice wasn’t hiding away in a hotel. She was out experiencing Tobago and sharing it across her social media platforms—from the food and culture to her travels around the island—taking her huge international following along for the ride. She was also warmly welcomed by Hackett. For Tobago, having one of Jamaica’s biggest entertainment personalities organically showcasing the island to her followers was exposure you simply cannot buy.
Then came the road.
The day started off hot, much like the women in costume heading towards downtown Scarborough along the Claude Noel Highway. Fog Angels led the charge, followed by Hennessy-partnered Iconic Mas, and while masqueraders used mobile fans to battle the Tobago heat, the vibes and energy remained high.
Masqueraders were kept in “good spirits” with good spirits, thanks to the many bar trucks accompanying the bands into Scarborough. Music pumping, drinks flowing and costumes on full display—it was exactly what the final day of Carnival was supposed to feel like.
Organisation along the parade route was also well executed by members of the police service and other arms of national security. Officers we encountered were pleasant, informative and willing to assist motorists at security checkpoints, while the overall traffic and security arrangements allowed things to flow smoothly.
And there was something for everyone.
From Pan Trinbago’s Pan and Powder to calypso, soca, J’Ouvert, fetes and mas, Tobago delivered both culture and entertainment. Nicole Thomas-Clarke copped her third consecutive Calypso Monarch title with “Respect,” while Zari Kerr captured the Tobago Heritage Calypso Monarch crown.
It was also a special Carnival for Bernard Thompson, popularly known as “Tam Tam,” who captured both the Tobago Soca Titans title and the first Tobago Road March crown with his hit “Follow Me.”
They came, they saw and they conquered.
Five years in, Tobago Carnival is proving that it is here to stay. The visitors are coming, the entertainment is growing, the culture is being showcased and, importantly, people outside Tobago are taking notice.
So yes, the curtains have come down on Tobago Carnival 2026.
But after what we witnessed, “Far From Finished” sounds less like the title of a song and more like a statement about where Tobago Carnival is heading.
XVibes — Where Entertainment Lives.
