On Sunday, February 1, Carnival 72 Aruba officially began following the traditional transfer of authority ceremony held at the Bestuurskantoor, where Prime Minister Mike Eman formally received the Carnival 2026 monarchs.
During the symbolic ceremony, the Prime Minister handed over the Carnival key, officially granting the monarchs the mandate to lead, guide, and represent Aruba’s largest cultural celebration.
The transfer of authority is a long-standing cultural tradition in which the Government of Aruba symbolically entrusts the leadership of Carnival to the monarchs, recognizing their role as ambassadors of joy, identity, unity, and cultural pride within the community.
Call for Responsibility and Community Care
In his address, Prime Minister Eman emphasized that Carnival is not only about celebration, but also shared responsibility. He called on the entire community to:
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Protect and care for children
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Use alcohol responsibly
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Promote traffic safety
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Maintain respectful behavior during and after parades
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Show consideration for senior citizens
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Keep public roads and areas clean throughout the Carnival season
Carnival 2026 Monarchs
The Carnival 2026 Monarchs are:
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Children’s Queen: Amelie Koolman
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Youth Queen: Kyra Jong
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Grand Queen: Gabriela Croes
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Mrs. Carnival: Marylain Kock
Children’s Prince & Pancho:
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Prince: Kirenzly Petit (Prins Ami)
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Pancho: Maison Gotze (Pancho Abo)
Youth Prince & Pancho:
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Prince: Leandray Gomes (Prins Ma)
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Pancho: Jeaven Lanting (Pancho Bisabo)
Grand Prince & Pancho:
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Prince: Shaundrik Ventura (Prins Los)
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Pancho: Jerwin Mercera (Pancho Eeeee)
Adult Prince & Pancho:
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Prince: Jairo Maduro (Prins Lanta Para)
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Pancho: 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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Loco Tumba King: Gino Petrocchi
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Tumba King: Roderick Franken
Vision for the Common Good
In the spirit of the common good, the Prime Minister shared wishes for Aruba, including:
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A sports field in every neighborhood
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Respect and care for senior citizens
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Renovation of all schools on the island
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Improved traffic safety
According to Prime Minister Eman, these goals are part of a broader vision for a stronger, more united, and more humane Aruba. Expressing full confidence in the monarchs, he officially entrusted them with representing the people of Aruba throughout Carnival 2026.
Following the reading of decrees by the Children’s Prince and Pancho, the Prime Minister presented the symbolic machete. The Youth Prince and Pancho received their swords, while the Adult and Grand Prince and Pancho received the Carnival key, symbolizing their leadership roles.
The Prime Minister concluded by congratulating all monarchs and thanking SMAC, volunteers, organizers, and partners who make Aruba’s Carnival possible every year. He called on the entire community to work together to make Carnival 72 one of the greatest in the world.
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