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KC Wombats celebrate 33 years of KarnavalLatrobe City Mayor, Councillor Graeme Middlemiss welcomed Karnaval clubs from all over Australia to a celebration at Kernot Hall, Morwell over the Labour Day weekend, and presented Prince Danny 1st with the ‘Key to the City’. By Latrobe City Council - 17th March 2004 - Back to News The celebration was the 3 x 11 (33 year) anniversary of the Karnaval Club Wombats of Gippsland.
KC Wombats President, Tony Hopman said that the Wombats Club was created on 6 September 1971 by migrants from the southern regions of Holland, mainly Limburg, and Germany.
"The history of the Karnaval can be traced to 15th century Spain as a festival to help prepare the populace for the sacrifices to be made during the Lent period. The three day carnival of feasting and foolery was soon adopted in other European countries, with a Prince of Fools being elected during the celebrations," Mr Hopman explained.
"This year, Danny Versluis, was elected Prince Danny 1st, Prince of Fools," Mr Hopman said.
"With the arrival of many Dutch migrants to the Gippsland region, the tradition has been kept alive for future generations," Mr Hopman said.
Mr Hopman explained that the number eleven has long been associated as the Fools number.
"However, every eleven years, a large-scale festival is organised and this year saw the third such event for KC Wombats. To help us celebrate the achievement of 33 years, twenty other Karnaval clubs from around Victoria, NSW, Queensland, SA, WA and ACT attended as well as international visitors. The event included a civil welcome, a grand anniversary ball and medal presentations. Tradition Dutch food such as Dutch beef croquettes, smoked eel and bee sting cake were also on offer," Mr Hopman said.
Cr Middlemiss added that events as colourful and exciting as the Karnaval are welcomed enthusiastically to Latrobe City.
"Latrobe is a diverse and multicultural community and the traditions such as this European celebration awaken our minds to the richness of our heritage.
"With more than 600 revellers attending the three day festival, a significant number of whom came from interstate, this was also a fantastic opportunity to showcase our City and region to these visitors. I congratulate the KC Wombats both on their 33 years anniversary and the strong community spirit that has allowed the tradition to thrive," Cr Middlemiss concluded.
Source: www.gippsland.com Published by: news@gippsland.com
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