There were familiar names in both the Carnival Kings and Queen’s categories that made it into the semi-final round of next Wednesday’s (26th February) turn before the judges. Topping the men’s competition, and securing his place in next Wednesday’s semi-finals is Fareid Carvalho with Dralozo: A Being From The Sun. Nicole Hercules’ stunning De Tiger Butterfly is the lead female competitor.

There will be stiff competition as the list of top twenty Kings include multiple title-holders Curtis and Ted Eustace. Last year strong winds forced Ted Eustace to race off the stage to avoid a fall. This year his costume Journey to Mayaro features a muscled Minotaur at the centre of the design, much like last year’s ill-fated demon Dracoteur. But experienced fans know to anticipate additions to both’s designs in keeping with each step in their fight for the crown.

It won’t be easy pickings in the Queen’s competition either as familiar names from competing and winners’ row qualified. They include Shynel Brizan, Priya Nagassar, Peola Marchan and Laura Rampersad.

Of the Fairyland trio of costumes, two Queens and one King: Jonell Dick’s Titania – Queen of Fairyland sadly did not make it. However, Raymond Mark’s Oberon-King of Fairyland and Protector of the Forest did having come in 11th position. As did Trina Bartholomew’s A Vision of Gold in the Enchanted Garden – Treena as she came in 14th. However, all three formed a compelling visual narrative for colourful, nature-filled world they created.

Glenn De Souza’s vicious four-limbed moko jumbie – the aptly named Real White Devil, may have scared off the judges as his costume did not qualify. However, Tekel Sylvan’s red and black skeletal’s ‘Mictlantcuhtli’ Mictlan God of the Underworld, also on stilts, secured their favour.

It took close to six hours for the 62 Queens and 54 Kings to cross the stage at the Queen’s Park Savannah last evening.

The 116 prospective monarchs were spared last year’s strong winds and the misfortune of fallen costumes, though at least one unfortunate Queen, unfamiliar with the stage and process spent her performance time towards the right, close to the announcers’ booth, where unfortunately the judges were not able to view her properly. Despite the attempts of the announcers, stagehands and some members of the audience to get her into prime position.

Additionally, the organisers had to pause the parade of the Kings to allow two Queens: Pixie Natasha Breedy’s Vibrant Vibrinaum and LeslieAnn Vaughan’s La Gwazi Fatu to cross. Earlier in the show there Helen McNish paraded but her costume Nzinga Mbandi was misidentified as Aleandra Bailey’s I Want to Be Like Alison Browne. The later had her parade interrupted but was eventually allowed to cross as she intended.

A similar mix-up happened between Nadine Popplewell’s Governor Freeling’s Biggest Fans and Malaikha Ravello’s The Toro Toro Queen: a moko jumbie with curved horns on her head and a bustle she enjoyed rolling before the audience. Much to their delight. The later was seen ready and waiting in the wings while the former had to be called to the stage to parade in her assigned order.

Next Wednesday the top 20 Queens and top 20 Kings will return to the Savannah stage, many with modifications to their costumes as they seek to convince the judges they deserve a space in the finals at Dimarche Gras.

Here is the full list of the top 20 costumes in each category that made it into the semi-final competition.