Courtesy of: The Morning News
By Rosalie Klein
ORANJESTAD — The energy and excitement of the first parade of this landmark Carnival 60 was palpable. Live bands and disco trucks filled the streets of Oranjestad with a mix of original carnival music created specifically for this special anniversary event, as well as the contemporary sound of trance music. The hot, modern beats of “Diamonds in the Sky” followed the brass band and majorettes leading the parade, with Royal Carnival Group and last year’s Grand Carnival Queen, Samantha Robert, welcoming spectators. Thousands were dancing in the streets, both in the parade and on the sidelines this past Saturday, January 11.
Following Royal Carnival Group, in order, were Majestic, T.O.B., Champagne, the new group, Meta Social Club, XC-Lanz, Dushi, Los Laga Bai, Pleasers and Teasers, with OPC bringing up the rear. Organizers estimated nearly 10,000 carnival enthusiasts participated in the Fakkel Optocht, or Torch Parade.
The Fakkel Optocht is the first of many parades, pageants and musical contests that will fill the Aruba calendar over the next two months. The unofficial costume of the Torch Parade are tee shirts, usually declaring the theme and sponsors of the various groups. However, it offers participants who take their outfits seriously, to demonstrate some breathtaking creativity in cutting, beading, and enhancing these pedestrian shirts into sensational and highly individualized works of art. Accessories are also enlivened with flashing lights for the night time event. Aruba’s Diamond Jubilee Carnival is expected to be one of the most spectacular the island has ever hosted, and Saturday’s parade was a rousing herald of great things to come!
