February 18, 2026
In an official statement, the Presidency of Haiti announced that public administration, commerce, industry, and schools will close on Monday, February 16, 2026, starting at noon, as well as on Tuesday, February 17, and Wednesday, February 18, nationwide. This measure strictly follows the decree of December 11, 2024, establishing the legal holiday framework.
Under the theme “Haiti Forward,” the 2026 Carnival breaks from the centralized model of previous years. No host city will be designated, reflecting authorities’ desire to refocus the event across the entire country.
According to Secretary of State for Communication Bendjy Tilias, each municipality will receive subsidies from the central government to organize its own carnival celebrations. This approach aims to support local culture, distribute activities nationwide, and reduce logistical and security constraints associated with large national gatherings.
