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The four 2025 Princess entrants on either side of the 2024 Princess winner and runner up. Photo credit: Victoria Velton
Maraka's Carnivale will open its 2026 celebrations in fabulously feathered Rio style, with the Masquerade Party – Queens Unmasked bringing an evening of glitz, mystique and celebration to the community on Saturday, 24th October.
The evening will also officially introduce the 2026 Queen entrants, giving the community its first chance to meet the women who will feature throughout the festival celebrations.
“We’ve got a really fun night planned to kick-start the Maraka celebrations,” said Masquerade Party Organiser Amber.
“DJ Westhoff will be playing, with prizes up for grabs, nibbles to enjoy, and plenty of colour, feathers and masquerade fun!”
“The night will also be our chance to officially introduce this year’s Queen entrants and bring everyone together for a fun night filled with laughs, dancing and a great atmosphere.
“We’re really hoping to make it a colourful, relaxed and exciting way to kick off Maraka and get everyone into the spirit of the celebrations.”
Tickets for the Masquerade Party are $35, with guests encouraged to be ready for a night of Rio-inspired fun. Scan the QR code to purchase your masquerade tickets, or search on Trybooking ‘Masquerade Party – Queens Unmasked’
The celebrations continue on Sunday, October 25, with the ever-popular Maraka Afternoon Tea at the Herbert River RSL. Doors will open at 1pm ahead of a 2pm start, with tickets also priced at $35 and a full afternoon of entertainment planned.
The event will feature live music, fashion parades courtesy of Ingham Underages and I Love Boutique, and the presentations of this year’s Princess and Queen entrants.
There will also be plenty of chances to take home a prize, with lucky door prizes, the Maraka raffle, a snap raffle and a cent sale all part of the afternoon.
A much-loved part of the festival calendar, the Afternoon Tea provides the perfect opportunity to meet and celebrate this year’s Maraka Queens and Princesses as they continue their journey towards the festival’s grand finale.
Guests are encouraged to dress in garden party or race-day style, catch up with friends and support this year’s entrants.
Tickets for the Afternoon Tea will go on sale on Thursday, 8th October and Friday, 9th October from 9am to 12.30pm, outside NQ Travel & Cruise in Ingham.
With the Rio Carnivale theme bringing colour, feathers and plenty of flair to this year’s celebrations, expect the opening weekend events to be anything but ordinary.
Follow Ingham Maraka Festival on Facebook and Instagram for event updates and further details.
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