Carnaval Miami 2026 Kicks Off with Guaynaa Named King and a Season Full of Culture and Celebration
Miami is already moving to the rhythm of Carnaval Miami 2026. Following a press conference at the Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Hollywood, the Kiwanis Club of Little Havana officially unveiled the full schedule for one of South Florida’s most iconic cultural celebrations.
Kiwanis President Thomas Falcon announced that Cuban-Puerto Rican global music sensation Guaynaa has been named King of Carnaval Miami 2026. The organization also introduced the official 2026 poster, “Llegamos Bailando,” created by acclaimed Nicaraguan-American artist Maria Fernanda Vogel, whose vibrant artwork captures the energy and diversity that define this beloved tradition.
Carnaval Miami serves as the Kiwanis Club of Little Havana’s marquee annual fundraiser, generating an estimated $40 million in economic impact for local artists, vendors, and small businesses throughout the Greater Miami area. Each year, the celebration draws nearly one million attendees, reinforcing its status as one of the largest Latino cultural events in the nation.
The 2026 season officially begins on February 22 with the 44th annual Miss Carnaval Miami pageant, followed by the Carnaval Miami Golf Classic presented by Amerant Bank. Among the most anticipated events are Carnaval on the Mile (March 7–8) in Coral Gables and the iconic Calle Ocho Music Festival on March 15—recognized as the largest Latin music festival in the country—where Guaynaa will headline as King of Carnaval.
“It is a tremendous honor to be named King of Carnaval Miami 2026,” Guaynaa said. “Carnaval Miami and Calle Ocho are more than a festival. They are a powerful expression of our culture, music, and community.”In addition to music and live performances, the 2026 lineup includes fan favorites such as the Carnaval Miami Domino Tournament, the Soccer 5v5 Challenge, and the Kiwanis Pickleball Showdown, offering activities that engage the entire community.
Organized by the Kiwanis Club of Little Havana, an affiliate of Kiwanis International, Carnaval Miami raises funds to support youth development programs through the Kiwanis Little Havana Foundation, including college scholarships, summer camps, and community outreach initiatives.
With the support of major sponsors such as Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Hollywood, Bacardi, and Amerant Bank, Carnaval Miami 2026 promises a vibrant season celebrating heritage, creativity, and the shared spirit that unites South Florida’s Hispanic community.
