Punta Cana.— Grupo Puntacana officially announced the 17th edition of the Punta Cana Carnival, scheduled for Friday, February 20, and Saturday, February 21, 2026. The event will once again take place along Boulevard 1ro de Noviembre, in The Village Puntacana, bringing vibrant Dominican culture to one of the region’s most iconic venues.
A Festive Opening on February 20
The celebration kicks off on Friday, February 20 with the traditional Carnival Gala, a special community event held directly on the parade route. This opening night offers locals and visitors a first look at the carnival’s emblematic troupes: Las Musas de Punta Cana and Los Tres Caras, accompanied by live music and artistic performances that set the tone for the weekend.
Grand Parade on February 21 With More Than 20 Troupes
The main event unfolds on Saturday, February 21, when gates open at 2:30 p.m. and the grand parade begins at 4:00 p.m.
This year’s parade will feature:
• More than 20 dance troupes
• Over 1,500 national and international participants
• A celebration of Dominican folklore, music, and traditional costumes
Organizers expect more than 15,000 spectators, making it one of the most anticipated cultural events in the region.
** Coronation of King or Queen Momo: A Carnival Tradition**
One of the most emotional and symbolic moments of the festival is the coronation of King or Queen Momo, an honor bestowed upon distinguished Dominican personalities whose work has positively impacted society.
In 2025, the title was awarded to legendary athlete Félix Sánchez, two-time Olympic and two-time world champion. Previous honorees include celebrated names such as:
• Oscar de la Renta
• Milly Quezada (first Queen Momo)
• Eddy Herrera
• Marcos Díaz
• Michel Camilo
• José Antonio Molina
• Freddy Ginebra
• George Bell
The identity of the 2026 honoree remains one of the festival’s most anticipated surprises.
A Free Event With Family-Friendly Activities
The Punta Cana Carnival is free for the public, although attendees will have the option to purchase tickets for designated seating areas through the event’s official digital platforms.
This edition will feature:
• Food trucks with diverse culinary offerings
• A safe and family-friendly environment
• Live entertainment and interactive experiences
• A dedicated children’s area on Saturday, February 21, starting at 3:00 p.m., located near the Grupo Puntacana corporate building
Organizers also teased additional surprises to be revealed as the event approaches.
Commitment to Sustainability
As part of Grupo Puntacana’s environmental strategy, the 2026 Carnival will continue implementing sustainable practices, including:
• Recycling stations distributed throughout the event
• Reusable cups for beverage service
• Biodegradable disposable materials
These actions support the company’s long-term commitment to reducing the environmental impact of large-scale events.
