‘Mash is alive’ – Minister Jacobs urges unity ahead of national celebration

As the excitement for Mashramani 2026 steadily builds, Minister within the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sport, Steven Jacobs has said that all plans are in place for a vibrant and inclusive national celebration.

Jacobs on Monday said since the official launch, activities have maintained strong momentum, drawing large crowds and generating excitement across multiple regions.

“Mash is very much alive, you’ve seen the turnout. We wanted to have pop up concerts in every region…so they can take entertainment around, our rich culture,” Jacobs said.

According to Jacobs, this year’s Mashramani was intentionally designed to reach beyond Georgetown, with events staged in Regions One, Six, Nine and Ten, giving communities and local artists greater access to the festivities. Pop-up concerts, children’s activities, cultural showcases and monarch competitions have all played a role in keeping the energy high, with more than 14 events already successfully executed. Notably, he said over 200 persons applied to compete in the Monarchs and this reflects the confidence local talent has for the opportunities that being on stage will provide them.

“We want to just continue giving them an opportunity,” the minister said.

As the celebrations move into their final stretch, the schedule remains packed. Panorama is set for Thursday at the Kingston Beach front, followed by the Soca Monarch competition in Linden on Friday, while Saturday will feature the Chutney Monarch at Albion.

“Persons are eager for those sort of entertainment. We had a really good turnout. The excitement from since the launch has been growing. We have climaxed and we are going to go straight to the end,” he said.

As for the main event, the float parade on Monday, he said all roads will lead to Georgetown.

“The ministries have already crafted and put together costumes that really signal our rich culture,” the minister said.

Jacobs said the celebrations go beyond entertainment and said that Mashramani provides critical platforms for local artists to develop confidence, sharpen their skills and gain exposure. He added that the government remains committed to supporting the creative sector through continued investment and year-round opportunities.