The Rotterdam-based Zomercarnaval organization crowned its new king and queen for 2024. Gilian Jersun Gil, representative of the Bacchanal Tribe was proclaimed Summer King of Rotterdam 2024, while Mrs. Larisa Da Veiga, representative of the Cape Verde Chegou group, captured the title of Queen during the elections in Doelen, Rotterdam.

Gilian Gil, is a young Aruban, known for his balloon decorations and his participation in various social and cultural activities. He is currently in the Netherlands continuing his studies in Tourism Management. In addition to winning the Rotterdam Summer King 2024 crown, he won ‘Best Show’ with a choreography created by Kevin Boekhoudt, as well as ‘Best Costumes’ with a creation by n-Desingz by Endy Croes. 

Larisa Da Veiga, from Rotterdam and affiliated to the Cape Verde group Chegou, was crowned queen with her theme “Joy of Carnival”. Larisa highlighted the deep personal meaning of her participation, which allowed her to reconnect with her Cape Verdean Reis and share this culture through carnival.

Gilian and Larisa will represent Rotterdam’s Zomercarnaval for one year and will lead the Rotterdam street parade on July 27, 2024.

*Photos courtesy of Mr. Endy Croes,  N-Desingz*