courtesy of: The Morning News
by Rosalie Klein
Friday evening, January 27, Aruba’s Minister of Social & Economic Affairs and Culture placed the crown on the head of Exina Kock, who will now reign during the remaining events of Carnival 58 as the 18th Senora Carnival.
This was the first of 3 Queen elections, the next to be elected are the Children’s and Youth Queens, and finally, in the last weeks of revelry, the Grand Carnival Queen.
These spirited “beauty” pageants also award their winners for Best Speech, Best Show and Best Costume, with originality and authentic carnival spirit deciding factors.
Exina, representing Aruba HOG - the Harley Davidson Club, was decidedly elegant and will be a most appropriate Senora Carnival as she presented a gracious and delighted demeanor when being singled out by this year’s Prince and Pancho.
Indira Oliviera from Royal Carnival Group was named 1st Runner Up and also won for Best Costume. Elizette Croes from TOB Group won for Best Show and Elizette Croes representing Aruba Trading Company won for Best Speech.
Retiring Senora Carnival #17, Angelique Tosma, put on an amazing show with Pachanga Dance Troupe for a memorable swan song before abdicating and turning over her crown. She advised all the mature ladies in Aruba to “take a chance; I never thought I would win, and here I am. If anything you will certainly have a great time during the competition!”
