On Sunday, February 1, Carnival 72 officially kicked off after Prime Minister Mike Eman received the 2026 Carnival monarchs at the Bestuurskantoor, where the traditional transfer of authority took place. During the symbolic ceremony, the Prime Minister handed over the Carnival key, thereby granting the monarchs the mandate to lead, take charge of, and guide Aruba’s largest cultural celebration.
The transfer of authority is a cultural tradition in which the Government of Aruba symbolically entrusts Carnival leadership into the hands of the monarchs, recognizing their role as ambassadors of joy, identity, and unity within the community.
The 2026 monarchs are:
Children’s Queen Amélie Koolman
Youth Queen Kyra Jong
Adult Queen Gabriela Croes
Mrs. Carnival Marylain Kock
Children’s Prince and Pancho: Kirenzly Petit (Prince Ami) and Maison Gotze (Pancho Abo)
Youth Prince and Pancho: Leandray Gomes (Prince Ma) and Jeaven Lanting (Pancho Bisabo)
Grand Prince and Pancho: Shaundrik Ventura (Prince Los) and Jerwin Mercera (Pancho Eeeee)
Adult Prince and Pancho: Jairo Maduro (Prince Lanta Para) and Tyson Croes (Pancho Boso por sinta)
SMAC 2026 Monarchs:
Children’s Tumba King Jaymerson Kelly
Youth Tumba Queen Melody Franken
Children’s Calypso King Ashandric Richardson
Children’s Roadmarch Queen Adeliza Henriquez
Youth Calypso Queen Caylee Pietersz
Youth Roadmarch King Brayden Elisabeth
Tumba King Loco Gino Petrocchi
Tumba King Rodrick Franken
After the Children’s Prince and Pancho read their decree, the Prime Minister presented them with the symbolic machete. The Youth Prince and Pancho received their swords, while the Adult and Grand Prince and Pancho received the key, symbolizing their roles as Carnival leaders.
