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a8 local
Wednesday 12 november 2025

Aruba’s Carnaval history Aruba Tourism Authority Honors

(Oranjestad)—November their recruits coming from Loyal Visitors at Bucuti& Tara
11 2025 has once again of- Caribbean-English islands The Carnaval we know now
ficially marked the beginning like Trinidad, Jamaica and started during the fourth era, Boutique Beach Resort!
of Aruba’s wonderful Carna- British Guyana. These Ca- which started in the year
val season. The Carnaval ribbean immigrants were 1966. This era saw the es-
season in Aruba is a unique among the first to organize tablishment of the Aruban
opportunity to experience a parade in San Nicolas for Carnaval Foundation and
the cultural diversity of the the victory achieved dur- the establishment of the
Island with exciting parades, ing the Second World War. lighting parade.
breathtaking costumes and These were the immigrants
a joyous atmosphere to be who enriched Aruba with the Today, our Carnival has
shared with visitors and lo- Trinidadian style of Carnaval. grown into one of the larg-
cals alike. est in the Caribbean with a
The third era of the Aruban month-long schedule of pa-
The first signs of the Carna- Carnaval began when the rades, queen elections and
val celebrations took place native Aruban and English activities.
back in 1921, when many of groups joined to plan the first
the social clubs were hav- public carnival that would be Even though we won’t begin
ing celebrations with cos- island wide. Hosted by the to see parades until January
tumes. These parties were oldest social club of Aruba, 2026, this month will already
mainly elite European-Style the Tivoli social club, the rep- see activities take place, like
balls and costumed parties resentatives had meetings in the ‘Prince and Pancho’
made to celebrate seasonal order to coordinate their ef- competition this Saturday. The Aruba Tourism Authority recently had the pleasure
festivities. After a few years, forts towards a single grand The Prince’s main role is to in- of recognizing one of Aruba’s Distinguished Visitors.
the Americans in San Nico- parade in Oranjestad, com- troduce the Carnival Queen The honorees were presented with a certificate in
las who were working in the bining floats, steel bands and during the parades. The Pan- appreciation for their many years of visits, loyalty, and
Lago Oil Refinery introduced costumed dancers. They also cho’s role is to be the Prince’s love for the island.
their own Euro-American organized the first Carnaval side kick. The Prince and Pan-
style to the festivities. These Queen Election. cho competition centers on This honorary certification is awarded on behalf of the
festivities were mainly taking the charisma of competing Minister of Tourism as a token of appreciation and to
place around Halloween, The custom of having two or- participants—men pair in say “Masha Danki” to guests who have visited Aruba
Christmas and Carnaval, be- ganized grand parades be- duos (a prince and his side for 10, 20, or 35 consecutive years or more.
coming the first few steps into gan in 1957, the first being in kick pancho) cracking jokes
the celebrations we know San Nicolas and the second and proving their ability to The three levels of recognition are:
and love today. in Oranjestad. After 8 years, create great ambience. • Distinguished Visitor – 10+ consecutive years visiting
the Calypso and Roadmarch Aruba
In the following years, the became an integral part of For more Carnaval related • Goodwill Ambassador – 20+ consecutive years
Lago Oil Refinery started the carnival season when the news, keep up with Aruba visiting Aruba
to reach higher levels of Calypso competitions were Today’s coverage during the • Emerald Ambassador – 35+ consecutive years
employment, with most of introduced. Carnaval Season. q visiting Aruba

Distinguished Visitors Honored:
Mr. Stephen & Mrs. Angela Byrd from Bowie, Maryland,
United States.
Ms. Candace Gumbs, representing the Aruba Tourism
Authority, along with staff members of Bucuti& Tara
Boutique Beach Resort, presented the certificate,
offered gifts, and expressed heartfelt thanks to the
honorees for choosing Aruba as their favorite vacation
destination, their home away from home.

Top reasons for returning to Aruba, as shared by the
honorees:
• Aruba`s people.
• Aruba is very safe.
• “We traveled even during the pandemic”
• “We are in love with Bucuti”

On behalf of the Aruba Tourism Authority, we extend
our sincere gratitude and appreciation to the honorees
fortheircontinued visits to the “One Happy Island.”q