SINT MAARTEN (GREAT BAY) - Following the June announcement of its 2026 Carnival theme, Secrets Mas SXM by Rio Productions proudly presents REFLECTIONS, a vibrant tribute to St. Maarten’s culture.
As the island celebrates its 55th Carnival anniversary, REFLECTIONS is more than a theme; the 2026 showcase will honor the craft, rhythm, laughter, and devotion that define St. Maarten’s culture. Iconic designs from past seasons will return in vibrant reinterpretations. REFLECTIONS celebrates the soul of who we are and the connection between culture, music, movement, and community.
“REFLECTIONS as a theme is deeply personal to me,” said Brenda Wathey of Rio Productions. “We’re celebrating where we’ve been and where we’re headed, but also the people and the passion that have carried Carnival through the years. It honors our history while infusing it with bold creativity, fearless energy, and a deep love for the culture.
“It’s about honoring the hands and hearts that built carnival and channeling their legacy through new designs and reinterpretations. Dating back to the very beginning with our costume designers Gregory Medina and Christopher Santos, right up to Dellan Thomas and Alicia Hart”.
“Each section tells a story, fusing traditional craftsmanship with contemporary flair and energy, and every element in our costumes blends the beauty of yesterday with the brilliance of today. Revellers will see that what we’re bringing to the road in 2026 is not just costumes or fashion; it’s carnival itself, that magical moment when culture, art, and people come together as one,” said Alicia Hart, Lead Designer.
Participants can expect:
- Bold designs.
- Vibrant energy
- A celebration of culture.
- An unforgettable road experience.
“As Rio Productions is known for its lighted parades, we’re especially thrilled to see this concept now officially included in the SCDF Carnival schedule,” added Wathey. “What began as a creative spark grew into one of the island’s most anticipated parades outside of Carnival, and we’re excited to see that same light and energy continue through the 2026 Labor Day Parade. We invite all Carnival lovers to join in the experience. This is the season to celebrate boldly, fearlessly, and make unforgettable memories.”
