Darren van Ommeren, President of the Stichting Musica Aruba Carnival (SMAC), announced that everything is now ready for Carnival 72. Together with the Supervisory Board and Stichting Musica, SMAC has officially signed the Ministerial Decree (MB) granting them the right to organize the upcoming edition of Aruba’s national carnival celebration.
In an interview with Matutino DIARIO, Van Ommeren expressed gratitude, saying that the team has been working hard throughout the year and is now ready to start preparations, officially kicking off on November 11.
He explained that even though Carnival is a national event, all necessary permits and requirements must still be fulfilled through the relevant departments. The Ministerial Decree serves as an essential permit and is also a key document for sponsors, as many require it before committing their support.
“Once we receive the MB, it allows us to move forward confidently with sponsors,” said Van Ommeren.
He further mentioned that both Minister of Finance Geoffrey Wever and Prime Minister and Minister of Culture Mike Eman were open to discussions about strengthening the long-term framework for organizing Carnival. The ministers agreed to establish a Commission to align future goals and ensure continuity in the festival’s organization.
Van Ommeren emphasized the importance of collaboration and sustainability, suggesting that beyond the MB, a long-term partnership framework is needed to secure the Carnival’s future.
He also highlighted concerns about the Children’s Carnival, noting that participation has been declining. He proposed efforts to revive youth involvement through schools and educational programs.
“We discussed how to bring back the Children’s Carnival, whether through financial or educational means. The Minister of Culture supported the idea of forming a Commission that includes SMAC, Stichting Musica, group representatives, and the government to address these issues and plan for the future,” Van Ommeren added.
With the signing of the Ministerial Decree, Aruba is set to move forward confidently toward Carnival 72, reinforcing both cultural pride and community spirit.
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