Antigua and Barbuda has a new Queen of Carnival. Zaine Frederick, representing Furniture Gallery, was crowned Queen of Carnival 2026 on Tuesday night after a commanding performance that saw her sweep three of the competition's most coveted judged categories and leave little doubt about the outcome.
Frederick captured the Best Performing Talent, Best Interview, and True to Theme awards on her way to the title, delivering what spectators described as a polished and confident showing across every segment of the pageant, held under the theme "Feel the Rhythm of Pageantry."
Christine Powell, representing ACB Caribbean, was named first runner-up and collected the Best Costume and Best Swimwear awards — a consistent performance that underscored her own strength across the competition's visual segments.
Aaliyah Taylor, representing Cool and Smooth, rounded out the top three as second runner-up and was recognised for Best Evening Wear.
Special Awards
The pageant also honoured contestants for qualities beyond the judged categories. Queenella Williams, representing the Antigua and Barbuda Port Authority, was named Miss Photogenic, while Denesha Samuel, representing LIAT Air, earned both the Miss Congeniality and People's Choice awards — a double recognition reflecting her popularity among her fellow contestants and the viewing public.
A Flagship Carnival Event
The Queen of Carnival pageant remains one of the signature events on the Antigua Carnival calendar, celebrating confidence, intelligence, talent and cultural pride. This year's competition drew an enthusiastic audience as delegates competed across talent, interview, costume, evening wear and swimwear segments in their bids for the national title.
With the crown secured, Frederick will represent Antigua and Barbuda as Queen of Carnival throughout the remainder of the 2026 season and at official engagements in the months ahead.
Full Results
Queen of Carnival 2026: Zaine Frederick (Miss Furniture Gallery)
First Runner-Up: Christine Powell (Miss ACB Caribbean)
