WILLEMSTAD — The official opening of Carnival 2026 will take place on Saturday, January 3, 2026, marking the festive start of the island’s most anticipated cultural season. Carnival organizer Beehives announced that the night will feature a vibrant Jump Up, followed by a major concert at Festival Center.
The festivities will kick off with a Jump Up powered by energetic performances from ERA ONE, DJ Bradley, and Urban DJs. The parade will depart from the Suvek area and make its way to Festival Center, where the celebration will continue late into the night.
Following the Jump Up, the public will be treated to a large-scale concert at Festival Center featuring performances and animation by local favorites GENTZ & Friends, along with a surprise act. The night will culminate in a headline performance by the reigning Soca King Machel Montano, who will be performing in Curaçao for the first time with his full band.
All activities are scheduled to begin promptly at 8:00 p.m. and will continue until 3:00 a.m. Tickets for the Jump Up and concert are priced at XCG 40, while a combination ticket including a tumbler is available for XCG 70. VIP tables can be reserved via WhatsApp at +5999 523-1917. Tickets are available at Pomp Sta. Maria, Bugsbunny, Ticketpoint, On the Go, and Mensing.
According to the organizers, the opening of Carnival 2026 promises to start right on time, filled with energy, music, and joy. January 3, 2026, is being billed as a night set to make Carnival history on Curaçao.
