On Sunday, February 1, Carnaval 72 officially kicked off after Prime Minister Mike Eman received the Carnaval monarchs of 2026 at the Bestuurskantoor, where the traditional transfer of command took place. During the symbolic ceremony, the Prime Minister handed over the key of Carnaval, thereby granting the monarchs the mandate to lead, take charge of, and guide Aruba’s largest cultural celebration.
The transfer of command is a cultural tradition in which the Government of Aruba symbolically entrusts the leadership of Carnaval to the monarchs, recognizing their role as ambassadors of joy, identity, and unity within the community.
In his message, the Prime Minister emphasized that Carnaval is not just a party, but also a shared responsibility. He called on the entire community to take care of the children, be cautious with alcohol consumption, promote safe traffic, and maintain respectful behavior during and after the parades. He also highlighted the importance of being considerate of the elderly and keeping the parade routes clean throughout the Carnaval period.
Our monarchs of 2026 are:
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Children’s Queen – Amélie Koolman
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Youth Queen – Kyra Jong
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Grand Queen – Gabriela Croes
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Madam Carnaval – Marylain Kock
Children’s Prins & Pancho:
Kirenzly Petit (Prins Ami) and Maison Gotze (Pancho Abo)
Youth Prins & Pancho:
Leandray Gomes (Prins Ma) and Jeaven Lanting (Pancho Bisabo)
Grand Prins & Pancho:
Shaundrik Ventura (Prins Los) and Jerwin Mercera (Pancho Eeeee)
Adult Prins & Pancho:
Jairo Maduro (Prins Lanta Para) and Tyson Croes (Pancho Boso por sinta)
SMAC Monarchs 2026:
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Children’s Tumba King – Jaymerson Kelly
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Youth Tumba Queen – Melody Franken
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Children’s Calypso King – Ashandric Richardson
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Children’s Roadmarch Queen – Adeliza Henriquez
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Youth Calypso Queen – Caylee Pietersz
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Youth Roadmarch King – Brayden Elisabeth
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Tumba Loco King – Gino Petrocchi
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Tumba King – Rodrick Franken
In the spirit of the common good, the Prime Minister shared his wishes with the monarchs for Aruba, including:
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a sports field in every neighborhood,
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care and respect for the elderly,
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renovation of all schools on the island,
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and stronger traffic safety.
According to Premier Eman, all of this is part of a vision for a stronger, more united, and more humane Aruba. With full confidence in the monarchs, he entrusted them with the mandate to represent the people during Carnaval 2026.
After the Children’s Prins and Pancho read their decree, the Prime Minister handed them the symbolic machete. The Youth Prins and Pancho received their swords, while the Adult and Grand Prins and Pancho received the key, symbolizing their leadership roles in Carnaval.
The Prime Minister congratulated all the monarchs and expressed his gratitude to SMAC, as well as all volunteers, organizers, and partners who make Aruba’s Carnaval possible each year. He concluded with a call to the entire nation to work together to make Carnaval 72 the greatest in the world.
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