Courtesy of: The Morning News
Though the end of the year holiday season is not yet upon us, the thoughts and hearts of islanders turn towards the series of events that take place from the first Saturday of a new year until Ash Wednesday-Carnival. November 11, will make the official beginning of Aruba’s next carnival, a landmark 60th anniversary edition.
Fourteen years ago, a young man completing his graphics art project at university, Chibi van der Hans, revived this long-forgotten tradition of marking the 11th day of the 11th month as a time of revels and feasting, born of the need to consume much of the harvest that would not last through the winter. On Aruba, it has become a beloved ritual to officially open preparations for the next carnival on this day, at the 11th hour.
At the appointed hour on the appointed day, Chibi would unveil his current version of his project, the magazine Bacchanal, a tribute and guide to everything carnival. Over the years, it has become the “bible” of the annual event, informing on dates for music contests, pageants and parades, as well as providing highlights of the year prior. A lively history of how each event was integrated into Aruba’s carnival, recounted in both Papiamento and English, makes it interesting reading for islanders and visitors alike.
This year, Chibi van der Hans was invited to reveal his new cover, always a stunning photograph, during the last major fashion show of the Aruba In Style Fashion Week. It was the grand finale on Saturday night, November 9, of the parade of resort wear around the pool at the AIS host hotel, the Westin in Palm Beach.
As this is a landmark anniversary edition of carnival, Chibi chose to pay tribute to the tireless efforts of the Carnival group leaders, without whom the event would not be the delightful spectacle that attracts tens of thousands to enjoy the parades and pageants.
There are nine established group leaders. Chibi saluted their work throughout the year and their creativity in planning their themes, costumes, and floats, as well as the manner in which they inspire all those participating at every level.
The photograph of the nine leaders was taken at the new Plaza Turismo in Oranjestad by Angelo Trimon. Those captured in some of their all-time favorite costumes are
- Lisette Oduber -Touch of Brazil (TOB)
- Ricky Felix – XC-Lanz
- Kevin James – Royal Carnival Group
- Aldrick Croes – Dushi Carnival Group
- Linchie Merryweather – Champagne
- Mena Erasmux – Loco Loco
- Claudius Philips – Oreo Passee
- Swinda Geerman – Majestic
- John Fingal – Los Laga Bai
- Deninah Martina – Pleasers and Teasers
Sharing the cover with them is Kiziah Trimon, who was Aruba’s 50th Youth Queen from Champagne Group during the carnival in 2013. Making a special appearance and enjoying the honor of actually unveiling the new cover was Aruba’s Minister of Tourism, Transport and Culture, Otmar Oduber. He praised Chibi for his ceaseless dedication to premiere cultural and tourism event. The magazine is distributed for free at hotels, gas stations, restaurants and shops, and the newest edition is now available.
