CURTIS Eustace's portrayal of Spirit of 'D' Gasparee Cave and Roxanne Omalo's Sirena – Mistress of the Seas captivated both audience and judges at Dimanche Gras 2025, earning them the prestigious Carnival King and Queen titles, respectively, on March 2.
Both champions were awarded a Suzuki Grand Vitara, sponsored by Lifestyle Motors, and cash prizes.
[caption id="attachment_1142174" align="alignnone" width="1024"] From left, Minister of Culture Randall Mitchell, King of Carnival Curtis Eustace, Queen of Carnival Roxanne Omalo, TTCBA vice president Roslind Gabriel, NCC CEO Keiba Mottley and TTCBA president Mark Ayen at Dimanche Gras, Queens' Park Savannah, Port of Spain on March 2. - Photo by Jeff K. Mayers[/caption]
The competition was held at the Queen’s Park Savannah, Port of Spain, amid calm winds and no major mishaps.
Eustace's victory marked his tenth Carnival King title, capturing 447 points and narrowly edging out the experienced Fareid Carvalho's Dralozo, A Being From the Sun, which secured 445 points.
Erron Sookdeo, who placed ninth in the preliminary round, propelling himself to third place with An African Drummer, earning 432 points.
[caption id="attachment_1142178" align="alignnone" width="1024"] Curtis Eustace portrays Spirit of 'D' Gasparee Cave in the King of Carnival competition, Dimanche Gras, Queens' Park Savannah, Port of Spain on March 2. Eustace placed first with 447 points. - Photo by Jeff K. Mayers[/caption]
Last year's champion, Joseph Lewis, experienced a disappointing 11th place finish with Jaixue Shenlong, Guardian of the Universe. Eustace’s brother Ted Eustace tied for seventh place with Franklin Jagdeo.
Omalo successfully defended her crown among the queens, scoring 443 points.
Omalo narrowly surpassed semifinal leader Rana Kandoo, who finished second with Maiya – Goddess of Creation, earning 439 points.
[caption id="attachment_1142175" align="alignnone" width="1024"] Fareid Carvalho portrays Dralozo A Being From the Sun in the King of Carnival competition, Dimanche Gras, Queens' Park Savannah, Port of Spain on March 2. Carvalho placed second with 445 points. - Photo by Jeff K. Mayers[/caption]
Cherry Ann Valere, who impressed in the semifinals, secured third place with Solaria Firebird of Light and Life garnering 429 points.
This year's competitors drew inspiration from diverse themes, including mythology, African heritage and fantasy.
[caption id="attachment_1142176" align="alignnone" width="1016"] Errol Sookdeo portrays An African Drummer in the King of Carnival competition, Dimanche Gras on March 2. Sookdeo placed third with 432 points. - Photo by Jeff K. Mayers[/caption]
Dimanche Gras, as is tradition, also featured the Calypso Monarch competition.
Senator Helon Francis clinched his second title with the performance of To Whom It May Be, a poignant social and political commentary that resonated deeply with the audience.
[caption id="attachment_1142179" align="alignnone" width="802"] Nicole Hercules portrays De Tiger Butterfly in the Queen of Carni
