Nicaraguan-American Artist Maria Fernanda Vogel Named Carnaval Miami 2026 Poster Artist
Organization Announces 2026 Event Schedule, Including Musical Performances and More
The Kiwanis Club of Little Havana, an affiliate of the worldwide volunteers’ organization Kiwanis International, today unveiled the official event schedule for Carnaval Miami 2026.
Joined by Kiwanis board members and notable sponsors, President Thomas Falcon made a series of announcements at a press conference held 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, as well as a presentation of the official 2026 Carnaval Miami poster entitled “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. We look forward to welcoming everyone this February and March as we come together to celebrate our shared heritage, creativity, and the vibrant culture that unites us.”
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, Florida, 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,” said Guaynaa. “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 entitled “Aguinaldo” was released in January of 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. Puerto Rican conga duo DANIEL DÍAZ and JAFET MURGUÍA with their band LOS POTRITOS, American soul-jazz favorites THE DELVON LAMARR ORGAN TRIO, trailblazing master pianist and two-time Latin Grammy winner TONY PÉREZ, and Latin Grammy–winning violinistDANIELA PADRÓN are among the headliners for the three concert stages at the 2026 edition of Carnaval on the Mile. Theevent 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 kicks off on February 22nd with the 44th annual Miss Carnaval Miami pageant. The winner of the pageant will be 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 (March 2-4), Carnaval Soccer 5v5 Challenge (April 4), and Kiwanis Pickleball Showdown (April 18).
Carnaval Miami 2026 is made possible in part by partnerships with generous sponsors including Seminole Hard Rock Hotel and Casino Hollywood, Florida, Bacardi, Eagle Brands/Anheuser-Busch, Stella Artois, Jackson Health System, Monster Energy, Telemundo 51, NBC 6, Univision 23, Local 10, Amerant Bank, Pa’lante Para Todos Inc., HMS/SBS, Kellanova, Moet Hennessy, Colgate-Palmolive, GMCVB, Academica, Cadillac, Aids Health Foundation Diario las Americas, and Boucher Brothers, among others.
“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.”
A full breakdown of this year’s events is listed below:
SCHEDULE OF EVENTS:
- February 22 MISS CARNAVAL MIAMI
CUZ MIAMI – 2104 NW 99th Ave, Doral, FL 33172
A pageant of elegance, beauty, talent, poise and community involvement to select Miss Carnaval Miami 2026 and court. The winners become hosts of all Carnaval Miami 2026 festivities, and brand ambassadors for the Kiwanis Club of Little Havana and Kiwanis of Little Havana Foundation. Miss Carnaval Miami’s one-year reign will be filled with memorable moments and experiences that foster her growth as both an individual and community leader.
- February 23 CARNAVAL MIAMI GOLF CLASSIC presented by AMERANT BANK
Trump National Doral – 4400 NW 87th Ave, Miami, FL 33178
Connect with VIPs at this Carnaval Miami-flavored tournament to benefit the Kiwanis Little Havana Foundation’s scholarship awards. The Carnaval Miami Golf Classic is limited to 144 players and sells out annually, including returning foursomes who have played since it began in 1982. All proceeds benefit four-year college scholarships awarded every year to students who otherwise would not have the opportunity of a higher education. Sponsored by: Amerant Bank- Presenting Sponsor, Cadillac – Official Automotive Sponsor, Boucher Brothers
- March 7 – 8 CARNAVAL ON THE MILE, presented by Seminole Hard Rock Hotel &
Casino Hollywood, Florida
Coral Gables, Miracle Mile between Le Jeune Road and Douglas Road
Carnaval on the Mile is a free weekend-long festival of art, world music, fine cuisine, and children’s entertainment. Puerto Rican conga duo DANIEL DÍAZ and JAFET MURGUÍA with their band LOS POTRITOS, American soul-jazz favorites THE DELVON LAMARR ORGAN TRIO, trailblazing master pianist and two-time Latin Grammy winner TONY PÉREZ, and Latin Grammy–winning violinist DANIELA PADRÓNare among the headliners for the three concert stages at the 2026 edition of Carnaval on the Mile. The celebration also includes a mile of paintings, crafts, photography and jewelry of the highest caliber creating a cultural experience for the enjoyment of all age groups. The festival will also feature Kidz Nook, presented by Academica, offering activities for children of all ages, including the inaugural Carnaval Miami Greatest Kids Show contest, presented by Commissioner Natalie Milian Orbis. Brought to you in partnership with our sponsors:
Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Hollywood, Florida – Presenting Sponsor, Eagle Brands/Anheuser-Busch (Stella Artois) – Official Beer Sponsor, Bacardi – Official Liquor, Academica – Presenting Sponsor of THE KIDZ NOOK, South Florida Ford Dealers, Jackson Health System, GMCVB, Local 10, Diario las Americas, City of Coral Gables – Municipal Partner
- March 9-11 CARNAVAL MIAMI DOMINO TOURNAMENT
Domino Park – 1444 SW 8th St, Miami, FL 33135
A classic Little Havana cultural experience becomes a friendly but passionate contest at the Carnaval Miami Domino Tournament. Domino enthusiasts from around the country gather for a laid-back afternoon of laughter and fierce competition. The tournament also welcomes all corporate and small businesses to participate in teams.
- March 15 CALLE OCHO MUSIC FESTIVAL, presented by Seminole Hard Rock Hotel &
Casino Hollywood, Florida
SW 8th Street from 12th to 27th Avenue in Little Havana
The culmination of it all! A marquee event of Carnaval Miami, Calle Ocho Music Festival is the largest Latin music festival in the nation. This year, don’t miss the incredible performance by GUAYNAA, the King of Carnaval Miami 2026, adding an extra layer of excitement as you stroll through 15 street blocks of Little Havana filled with musical stages, international food, sampling sites, folkloric dances and entertainment for all families and friends to enjoy. Tickets for VIP Passport are available through Eventbrite. Brought to you in partnership with our sponsors: Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Hollywood, Florida – Presenting Sponsor, Anheuser-Busch – Stella Artois – Official Beer Sponsor, Monster Energy – Official Energy Drink, City of Miami – Official Home of Calle Ocho, Telemundo 51, Univision 23, Pa’lante Para Todos Inc., HMS/SBS, Kellanova, Moet Hennessy, Colgate-Palmolive, GMCVB, Aids Health Foundation, WAHL Clipper Corp, Local 10, Miami-Dade County – Municipal Partner
- April 4 CARNAVAL SOCCER 5V5 CHALLENGE
Amelia Earhart Soccer Park – 1 W 65th St, Hialeah, FL 33013s
The Carnaval Miami 5v5 Soccer Challenge provides an afternoon of fun and healthy activities for the whole family. More than 4,000 attendees comprise 100 teams, ages U5 to U18, participating for trophies and glory as Carnaval Miami 5v5 Fútbol Challenge winners! Register your team at CarnavalMiami.com. Brought to you in partnership with our sponsors: Colgate-Palmolive
- April 18 KIWANIS PICKLEBALL SHOWDOWN
Miami Dade College Kendall Campus – Pickleball Courts
Mark your calendars for April 18th for the Kiwanis Pickleball Showdown. Whether you’re a seasoned pro or new to the sport, it’s all about having fun and competing! Don’t miss out on a day filled with fun for the whole family, excitement, prizes, and community spirit. Register your team at CarnavalMiami.com. Brought to you in partnership with our sponsors: Jackson Health System
For more information, visit www.KiwanisLittleHavana.org, www.kiwanislittlehavanafoundation.org, and www.carnavalmiami.com.
For more information, visit:
www.carnavalmiami.com and www.kiwanislittlehavanafoundation.org
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@CarnavalMiami @kiwanisLittleHavana
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@Carnaval_Miami @Kiwaniskclh