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The Kiwanis Club of Little Havana, an affiliate of the worldwide volunteers’ organization Kiwanis International, recently unveiled the official event schedule for Carnaval Miami 2026.
Joined by Kiwanis board members and notable sponsors, club president Thomas Falcon made a series of announcements during a press conference at Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Hollywood, including the declaration of this year’s King of Carnaval Miami, Cuban-Puerto Rican global musical artist, Guaynaa. It aloso featured a presentation of the official 2026 Carnaval Miami poster, titled “Llegamos Bailando” by acclaimed Nicaraguan-American artist Maria Fernanda Vogel.
“As one of our city’s most cherished traditions, Carnaval Miami is deeply rooted in the heart of our community,” Falcon said. “I’m thrilled to announce that acclaimed Cuban-Puerto Rican musical artist Guaynaa will serve as King of Carnaval Miami 2026, and that the talented Nicaraguan-American artist Maria Fernanda Vogel will create the official poster for this year’s celebration.
Carnaval Miami brings families, neighbors, artists, and visitors together to honor the rich cultures that shape South Florida’s Hispanic community.
Carnaval Miami is the marquee annual fundraiser of Kiwanis Club of Little Havana in support of the Kiwanis Little Havana Foundation’s youth development programs. It represents an economic impact of $40M for local artists, vendors, and small businesses throughout the Greater Miami area. Host to a series of captivating events that attract one million attendees each year, Carnaval Miami 2026 is best known as host of the country’s largest “Latino” experiential event, Calle Ocho Music Festival. The 2026 edition of the Calle Ocho Music Festival, presented by Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Hollywood, will feature the King of Carnaval, Guaynaa, headlining the largest Latin music festival in the nation.
“It is a tremendous honor to be named King of Carnaval Miami 2026,” Guaynaa said. “To join the legacy of iconic artists who have represented this celebration as Kings and Queens is truly humbling. Carnaval Miami and Calle Ocho are more than a festival; they are a powerful expression of our culture, music, and community. I’m proud to represent my Cuban heritage and the entire Hispanic community as we come together to celebrate our roots, our creativity, and the joy that unites us year after year.”
Guaynaa, whose latest EP titled Aguinaldo was released in January 2026, joins an elite group of Carnaval Miami Kings and Queens including Celia Cruz, Gloria Estefan, Willy Chirino, Oscar D’Leon, Pitbull, Gente de Zona, Daddy Yankee, Olga Tañón, Jerry Rivera, La India, Chayanne, and last year’s King of Carnaval, Jay Wheeler.
Also returning is the Coral Gables street festival, Carnaval on the Mile, presented by Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Hollywood, Florida. The festival highlights art, world music, fine cuisine, and children’s entertainment all weekend. The event consists of live music, a mile of paintings, crafts, photography and jewelry of the highest caliber creating a cultural experience for the enjoyment of all age groups.
Carnaval Miami 2026 officially began on Feb. 22 with the 44th annual Miss Carnaval Miami pageant. The winner of the pageant was crowned and awarded cash prizes and a scholarship as well as the opportunity to be the face of Carnaval Miami 2026. A day later, 144 players will tee off at the Carnaval Miami Golf Classic presented by Amerant Bank.
Other Carnaval Miami favorites returning this year include the Carnaval Miami Domino Tournament (Mar. 2-4), Carnaval Soccer 5v5 Challenge (Apr. 4), and Kiwanis Pickleball Showdown (Apr. 18).
“We extend our sincere gratitude to our municipal partners — Miami-Dade County, the City of Miami, and the City of Coral Gables — for continuing to stand with us and support Carnaval Miami,” Falcon said. “We are also deeply thankful to our corporate sponsors, whose generosity plays a vital role in bringing this celebration to life. The Kiwanis Club of Little Havana greatly values these partnerships, which allow us not only to present this beloved annual event, but also to expand the meaningful programs and services we provide to our local community.”
For more information, visit www.carnavalmiami.com and www.kiwanislittlehavanafoundation.org.
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