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THE Government has formally announced the commencement of Carnival 2026. However, this year, any breach of Carnival regulations will attract a fixed fine of $1,000, along with a possible term of imprisonment of six months.

On Thursday, four legal notices were published to govern conduct and operations throughout the Carnival period. These are the Carnival Regulations 2026, the Carnival (Prohibition of Glass Bottles) Regulations 2026, the Public Festivals (Carnival) Order 2026, and the Special Event Order 2026.

Through the Special Event Order 2026, Carnival 2026 has been designated a special event under the Liquor Licences Act, effective from 7 p.m. on Sunday, February 1, to midnight on Tuesday, February 17. In addition, an order made under the Public Holidays and Festivals Act establishes the official Carnival period as beginning at 4 a.m. on Monday, February 16, and ending at midnight on Tuesday, February 17.