ORANJESTAD — Foundation Aruban Carnival (SAC) looks back on a difficult carnival period with fewer participants but a beautiful large parade in Oranjestad, said SAC-chairperson Tecla Kelly.“It hadn’t been easy”, said Kelly. It had begun somewhat difficult partly due to the lingering conflict between SAC and the music bands about the pay-per-view revenues from the Calypso & Road March Contest. “Things had remained difficult, causing delays in preparations.” Besides the conflict with the bands, there had also been the discussion with the police on agreements. “We normally aim to arrange everything with the police before November 11^th but we failed for some reason.” Kelly mentioned Jouvert Morning, as an example. The Aruban Police Corps (KPA) had requested SAC to start the event at midnight instead of at 4:00 AM. “Considering we already had the permit for the time and everything had been ready, it was difficult to change this on short notice.

Oranjestad is the high point

Kelly pointed out that SAC always works toward the large parade in Oranjestad. “That’s the high point and all other activities are geared for this. We had therefore focused on everything running smoothly before the large parade in Oranjestad.” That parade had been delayed at times, especially when Tsunami’s music float had left the parade on Vondellaan to replace the diesel generator. “These things can happen. Eventually, the float had joined the parade again, the groups had stuck together and we reached the end at the former DOW-office – as agreed – before sunset.”

Fewer participants

The parades had had fewer participants this year. This was due to several factors, according to Kelly. “The economical decline for instance and several people mentioned they had less money to spend this year and had decided not to participate.” People also considered the conflict with the bands on pay-per-view revenues a factor not to participate. “Of course, there had been the shoot-outs several weeks ago, which had led to the death of a boy shortly after the children’s parade of San Nicolas, and another later on. Participants had not felt safe and reconsidered”, said Kelly.