Overview:
Pétion-Ville’s 2026 Carnival was cut short on its opening day, Feb. 15, after two people were seriously injured in separate attacks. Authorities halted festivities and banned any unauthorized continuation, underscoring ongoing security challenges in the capital.
PORT-AU-PRINCE — Pétion-Ville’s 2026 Carnival was cut short on Sunday after opening day violence left two people seriously injured — one shot in the head and another stabbed — prompting city officials to shut down the festivities.
The attacks occurred near the former Muncheez restaurant, close to the town’s Royal Oasis Hotel, according to local media reports. Both victims were taken to hospitals for emergency treatment. Authorities have not released updates on their conditions or announced any arrests.
In a statement issued Monday, municipal officials prohibited any attempt to extend festivities, organize unauthorized carnival activities or occupy public streets under the pretext of Carnival.
“The City Hall informs the public that the 2026 Pétion-Ville Carnival officially ended yesterday, Sunday, February 15, 2026,” the note, signed by Communications Director Wendy Henry, said.
“The municipal services are mobilized to ensure street cleaning and a gradual return to normalcy in the commune. Any temporary installations or uses related to the carnival must be removed immediately,” the Pétion-Ville City Council said, thanking residents and organizers who participated peacefully.
Carnival tradition disrupted by violence
Carnival in Haiti is traditionally a high point of cultural expression — a season of music, satire, artistic creativity and civic commentary. Through rara bands, marching orchestras, elaborate costumes and hand-crafted masks, communities celebrate heritage while also using humor and song to critique social and political realities.
This year, however, the celebration unfolded under the shadow of persistent gang violence and kidnappings across the capital region.
The City Hall informs the public that the 2026 Pétion-Ville Carnival officially ended yesterday, Sunday, February 15, 2026. Municipal services are mobilized to ensure street cleaning and a gradual return to normalcy in the commune.”
Wendy Henry, Communications Director
With no official activities at Champs-de-Mars in downtown Port-au-Prince, Pétion-Ville had become the primary gathering point for carnival-goers in the metropolitan area. The abrupt shutdown not only ended the commune’s festivities but underscored the fragile security environment surrounding Haiti’s most emblematic cultural tradition.
Early Sunday, the atmosphere in Pétion-Ville was festive. Marching bands animated the main route as residents gathered along Delmas Road toward Pétion-Ville and Canapé-Vert.
Unlike celebrations in cities such as Jacmel, Cap-Haïtien and Gonaïves — known for elaborate floats, carnival queens and iconic papier-mâché masks — Pétion-Ville’s festivities centered mainly on street bands and crowds of revelers. Still, residents turned out in large numbers to participate in the tradition.
The celebration was cut short after gunshots triggered panic, prompting law enforcement to halt the event.
Participants from across the Port-au-Prince metropolitan region celebrate fully on the first day of the 2026 carnival in Pétion-Ville on Sunday, February 15, 2026. Photo by Dieugo André for The Haitian Times
Decentralized carnival amid security crisis
The Haitian government did not organize a national carnival in a designated city this year. Instead, municipalities were responsible for hosting their own celebrations under the theme “Haïti Devant! Ayiti Devan!” (“Haiti Forward!”).
In a statement issued days before the festivities began, the Ministry of Culture and Communication described Carnival as “a major expression of the national cultural heritage” and one of the strongest forms of collective creativity in Haitian society.
“As a social, popular and artistic celebration, it promotes social cohesion, supports cultural industries and contributes to the economic vitality of communities,” the ministry said.
Since Jan. 18, several cities have held pre-carnival events without major incidents. But the violence in Pétion-Ville underscored the fragile security context in which this year’s celebrations are taking place.
Gang activity continues across the capital region and surrounding areas. Recent attacks have been reported in Kenscoff and in the Carrefour-Feuilles neighborhood, where a local brigade member was killed while attempting to repel a gang assault.
Police reinforcements and armored vehicles
As Carnival activities continue in multiple cities, the Haitian National Police is expanding its operational capacity against the Viv Ansanm gang coalition.
On Feb. 5, the police received three tracked armored vehicles donated by South Korea. On Monday, Feb. 16, Canada delivered 10 additional armored vehicles. The acquisitions were made possible through a partnership with the United Nations Office for Project Services (UNOPS).
Haitian police stand by heavy equipment received from Canada on Monday, Feb. 16, 2026. Photo via Prime Minister’s Office Facebook.
Prime Minister Alix Didier Fils-Aimé thanked international partners, including Canada, the European Union and the United States, and reiterated that restoring security remains the government’s top priority.
“This is a battle for security, and we will achieve this goal,” the prime minister said.
For many Haitians, Carnival remains a powerful symbol of resilience and cultural pride. But in Pétion-Ville this year, the celebration ended almost as soon as it began — a reminder of the deep security challenges overshadowing one of the country’s most cherished traditions.
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