“Rockin’ the Fakkel” declared the tee shirts of the Aruba Trading carnival group as they wended their way through the streets of Oranjestad for the inaugural parade of the
2012 Carnival season, Aruba’s 58th organized and all-island tribute to good times, and the Fakkel rocked Aruba on Saturday night, January 7.
A bright, full moon shone down on the ten groups with their bands and followers, sometimes numbering over 1000, dancing down L.G. Smith Boulevard with this first casual, fun event finally ending well after midnight. The various groups revealed their themes for the several parades, jump-ups and contests that will take place over the next six weeks. They were:
- TOB -ANGELS AND RED DEVILS with band Youth X-Treem - UPGRADE
- Champagne Carnival Group -THE SWINNING SMURF with blue-painted band Tsunami
- Majestic Carnival Group -INDIAN and band Delicious
- XC-Lanz- XC-LANZ"GOES CURACAO from band XC-Lanz
- Flame -BACK TO THE 80`S named for band Flame
- OPC- FLASHING MASCARADE ON THE STAR- with founding band Oreo
- Dushi Carnival Group -DUSHI DANCE PARTY – from-what else?- Dushi Band
- Impak Masqueraders Carnival Group - MAD HATTERS TEA PARTY from band Impak
- Pleasers & Teasers group - PINK PIRATES – band LE GROOVE
- Aruba Trading- PARTY ROCKERS – with band NBO
TBS Brassband and Super Dancers led the way with Aruba’s Carnival Royalty, the queens, princes and panchos (jesters) of last year.
“Fakkel” is short for “Fakkeloptocht,” Dutch for “Torch Parade,” a beloved ritual that truly inaugurates Aruba’s annual carnival season with style. Island tradition has evolved from the normal costumes to wearing logo tee shirts, at least for this parade, with a declaration of the group affiliation and theme, though participants are highly original in their modifications. These are accented by innovative make up and often, glowing or flashing accessories, geared to the nighttime ambiance. Over 7200 participated in Saturday evening’s event.
The next big parade will be on Sunday, January 22, in San Nicolas. The Balloon Parade focuses on youth, living up to its name with the creative use of colorful balloons, and is one of the cutest and most popular carnival events.
