courtesy of: The Morning News
by Rosalie Klein
Carnival 2012 will stage one last gasp tonight with the burning of Rey Momo at midnight in the Aruba Entertainment Center, auguring Ash Wednesday and the commencement of Lent, but this past weekend was a spectacular finish to the six weeks of revelry with the San Nicolas Grand parade on Saturday and the Oranjestad Grand Parade on Sunday afternoon.
Each parade sported 15 groups and over 5000 participants garbed in fantastical and artistic costumes and makeup that without a doubt, substantially depleted the world’s supply of feathers, sequins and body glitter. Sumptuous floats and roadpieces had been kept under wraps only to be revealed for the final parades, including the Champion Roadpiece of the San Nicolas and Oranjestad parade from OPC Group, a tribute to Aruba’s adorable Shoco, the indigenous burrowing owl that was recently declared our national bird. TOB Group claimed the second prize and winner of the Most Luxurious Roadpiece with the “Wings of Justice” The owls made quite an impression, also winning Best Bodypiece, Best Section overall and the Culture award for the SN and Oranjestad parades. Champagne Group and their “Taste of Russia” theme won for Best Float both days as well.
Many commented on the appeal of the new tents required by the government on the waterside of L.G. Smith Boulevard for sun protection, as they provided a much more attractive and uniform presentation over the homemade trailers of the past. Despite beginning at an earlier hour, the Oranjestad Parade still did not finish until after sunset, because of the size and number of the floats and participants. A good indicator that despite changing times, carnival is still a beloved and thriving tradition on Aruba, with residents and vacationers, alike!
