T h e W i n d h o e k K a r n e v a l i s h e r e! W I N D H O E K, 28 M A R C H

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1 Roux-ché Locke Group Manager: External Relations Tel: +264 (0) Francios Olivier Group Journalist and Creative Writer Tel: +264 (0) MED IA R E LEASE Ref: No. 294 T h e W i n d h o e k K a r n e v a l i s h e r e! W I N D H O E K, 28 M A R C H In its 66 th year, the Windhoek Karneval, better known as WIKA is still going strong, and just started off with its 2018 celebration with an exciting line-up of activities for Windhoek Karneval fans. The MegaCentre at Kleine Kuppe in Windhoek sparkled on Saturday, 24 March with the colorful kick-off to this year s festivities. BIWAK was the name of the game on Saturday the traditional opening and start to the WIKA celebration. Originating from the French word bivouac meaning temporary shelter/camp, by definition BIWAK is the temporary function leading up to the actual Karneval and serves as a reminder to revelers that the Karneval is around the corner. With lots of stalls, promotions and good music, a huge crowd of WIKA supporters embraced the parking area of MegaCentre in excitement of this year s event. The popular Frühschoppen forms part of the festivities and takes place from 11:11 till late 2 weeks before the Prinzenball. The Prinzenball also known as the Royal Ball which takes place at the SKW Main Hall on 06 April is, according to the Chairman of the WIKA Committee, Holger Sircoulomb regarded as the most important function of the Karneval season. Sircoulomb: This event bids farewell to the outgoing Prince and Princess, Prinz Pongo vom Protokoll (Hans-Peter Reiff) und Prinzessin Anni, die närrisch Funkelnde (Anni Roth), but more importantly (and this is why Karnevalists attend this function) it serves to introduce the new royal couple. Their identity is kept secret (in as far as possible) up to the point of introduction. At the Prinzenball, the public will be introduced to all three royal couples - for the children, the youth, and adults. This is a black tie event full of glitz and glamour, with a strictly formal dress code. Going forward, the Prinzenpaar are the rulers of all festivities during the Karneval season. Pick n Pay Umzug /Float procession The first known float procession in Germany took place in 1397 in Nuremberg. In 1794 the French authorities banned the Karneval activities in Cologne and even after the retraction of the ban in 1801 there were still many rules and regulations for people that wished to attend, e.g. you needed permission to wear a costume. On 10 February 1823 the first Rosenmontagszug in Cologne was held with the Theme der Cölsche Held Carnival, and was a massive success. In Windhoek the yearly float procession which takes place on 07 April is an important part of the WIKA celebrations and many people come to see the beautifully decorated trucks and colourful groups as the procession winds its way through Windhoek s Independence Avenue. Sircoulomb says this year the celebration aims to have 66 individual groups participating in the street procession.

2 Also on the 7 th of April, later in the day, the JUKA takes place. JUKA is an acronym for Youth Carnival, for age group 16 and 29. Sircoulomb: At this event, the guests are entertained with carnival traditions, but much more Saturday night party stuff. A costume is usually recommended for this event. It is an event filled with great speakers and dances among others. After the official program a DJ leads the festivities until the early morning hours. Kiddies are catered for the next day with KiKaWi - an acronym for Kinder Karneval Windhoek for children up to 10 years old. Sircoulomb: The kiddies dress-up (fancy dress) and by default the entire family, except for the parrot, comes to KiKaWi and often one wonders who has the most fun, the parents or their children? The program is action-packed with sing-alongs, raffles, and prizes for best costumes. The theme for this year is the WILD WILD WEST. Children come in for free but adults pay at the door. Another popular event on the Windhoek Karneval program is HeDaMA (Ladies and Gentlemen s Night) which takes place on the 11 th of April. During this event ladies and gentlemen are split into two separate rooms. Sircoulomb: Let s face it, sometimes it s more fun to just party without the hubby/wife. The ladies will be partying in the main hall of the SKW while the men party in the beer garden. The night consists of amazing shows, dances and Büttenreden, to help forget all the worries of everyday life. Once the individual programs are completed both men and women get together again in the main hall to celebrate the rest of the night away in their colourful costumes, with prizes being awarded to the best dressed. O&L International Evenings on the 12 and 13 th of April To enable the Karneval to be enjoyed by all Namibians, the WIKA, according to Norbert Wurm member of the WIKA Committee, will have two International Evenings which are presented in English and Afrikaans, but still follow the traditions of Karneval, including the council of 11 and multiple Büttenreden. Wurm: This year will see highlights from the past re-appearing, including Radio 69 while our new Chief of Protocol will be Hartmut Dichtl. Each year we also present shows from international artists, the likes of Chester Missing in 2017 and this year we will not only have Andy Ost from the world famous Carnival in Mainz, Germany performing, but we are also proud to present South African Comedians Goliath & Goliath (Cousins Nicholas & Jason), who will ensure that it is a fun-filled evening to remember! One Namibia, One Nation, One Big Windhoek Karneval celebration! O&L Prunksitzung The Prunksitzung is the highlight for the German speaking community. Similar in layout as the International Evenings, however the Prunksitzung is completely presented in German, along the lines of a traditional German Karnevalssitzung. Whether it be the hilarious Büttenreden or the Schunkeleinlagen, it is guaranteed to be a night to remember, says Wurm. This year s highlights include Andy Ost from the world-famous Carnival in Mainz, Germany, Jockel von Marees as Chief of Protocol, while you should also watch out for old favourites who could make a return, including Agnes Hoffmann and Donald Trump. This event takes place on the 14 th of April. The festivities end off with a short program and a beer on 15 April - an occasion known as the Kehraus. Live music will be provided to ensure you can dance into the late hours of the day. Sircoulomb: Allow me to wholeheartedly, and on behalf of the Windhoek Karneval committee thank our sponsors for making the 2018 festivities possible. These include the O&L Group, Sport Klub Windhoek (SKW), Pick n Pay Namibia, FNB Namibia, Olmeca Tequila, Air Namibia, KWV, Waldschmidt Eggs and Windhoek Schlachterei.

3 Visit the WIKA website: and the WIKA Facebook page for more information, exciting competitions and early bird specials. Tickets can be purchased online at or at any Pick n Pay store country-wide Ends,

4 The Windhoek Karneval, better known as WIKA has officially kicked off its 66 th annual festivities for 2018 on Saturday, 24 March with a colorful and vibrant BIWAK (BIWAK is the traditional opening and start to the WIKA celebration - a reminder to revelers that the Karneval is around the corner) at the MegaCentre in Windhoek.

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