John Berlyn Fernández Wins Río San Juan Poster Contest

John Berlyn Fernández, an apprentice at ÀNI Art Academies Dominicana, was selected as the winner of the 2026 Carnavarenque Festival poster contest in Río San Juan, Dominican Republic. According to Río San Juan City Council member Ruben Santos, the poster competition served as the official opening activity for the city’s annual carnival celebrations. The festivities took place every Sunday throughout February at the scenic Laguna Gri-Gri, located in the municipality of Río San Juan in the María Trinidad Sánchez province.

Carnavarenque is a distinctive ocean-themed carnival that celebrates the coastal town’s identity, environment, and cultural traditions. Founded in 1997, the festival is widely recognized as the only marine-themed carnival in the Dominican Republic, drawing inspiration from the region’s close relationship with the sea.

Unlike many Dominican carnivals that feature the traditional devil-inspired characters, Carnavarenque centers its imagery on marine life and the surrounding coastal ecosystem. Costumes and masks frequently represent fish, crabs, coral formations, octopus, and other sea creatures, along with local wildlife such as iguanas and seabirds.

These imaginative costumes are often handcrafted by local artists and community groups, sometimes incorporating shells, coral motifs, and vibrant colors to evoke the underwater world.

Fernández’s winning poster design will serve as a visual symbol for the 2026 festivities, helping promote one of the region’s most unique cultural celebrations. His achievement also highlights the continued artistic accomplishments of apprentices at ÀNI Art Academies Dominicana.

To view more of Fernández’s work, visit or follow him on Instagram.