Maskarada
Maskarada, on New Years Day, originates from Bonaire’s Spanish founding. Completely disguised including speech, locals from each village dress and arrive early in groups at the Lt. Governor’s home to dance and play around outside wishing the family a Happy New Year. The Lt. Governor thanks them with a bottle of rum, held and dispensed by a designated member.
Skits occur between costumed participants of a matador and bull, a fisherman and a fish and a donkey stud and goat. After a break, the groups make more island stops.
The Spanish influence is seen through the use of guitar, ukulele, and drum (played with sticks instead of hands) and the crowns worn out of respect for Spanish kings.
The following week on the Sunday of the 3 Kings, the participants take to the street and when the party has ended, disguises are removed!