Courtesy of: The Morning News
By: Rosalie Klein
ORANJESTAD — The official start of Aruba’s 60th Anniversary Carnival came about this weekend with the Torch Parade on Saturday evening, and the election of key personages during the coming two months, the Prins & Pancho (Prince & Jester.) These flamboyantly dressed, mischievous scamps will rule events and parades, and two weeks prior to the grand finale weekend, Prime Minister Mike Eman will turn over the rule of Aruba to them during a beloved ritual.
Prins & Pancho titles are awarded in three categories, Child, Youth and Adult. The title is hard won during a long evening of comedic sketches where the contestants prove their worth in representing Aruba’s Carnival with humor and grace. This year, since it is the 12th lustrum, there was also the election of ‘Prins der Prinsen’ (Prince of Princes), where former winners contended for the coveted title.
Judges admit it was a difficult task to select the new carnival royalty from the fine array of choices offered. Five teams competed for the title of Children Prins & Pancho, but it was Xenon Daal and Bryanden Koolman, from Mundo Infantil Gosando cu Kerekentenchi, performing as Prins “Mega” and Pancho “Falta,” who took the crowns.
In the Youth Division, Prins “Kiko” Dion Carolina and Pancho “A Bai Robes” Steven de Cuba, representing the T.O.B. Carnival Group, won the titles. The new Adult Prins & Pancho, also from T.O.B. are Jordano Hilario, Prins “60” and Emon Webb, Pancho “Rebienta.”
T.O.B. Group rounded out their resounding victory for this landmark carnival by also winning the Prince of Princes contest, with a spirited and entertaining routine by Eduardo Loefstop, Prins “E Cos Ki” and Ivmar “Tyson” Croes, as Pancho “Ta Djaki”. It can be expected the mood around the TOB headquarters will be quite jubilant and amusing during Carnival 60.
The Stichting Arubaanse Carnaval, or SAC, the non-profit foundation that organizes and conducts the Prins & Pancho and queen elections, expressed their gratitude to all the contestants for their original and hilarious routines. There were thirteen groups competing for the titles, adding another memorable evening of hilarity to the festival ambiance of carnival.
