Henk van der Kroon

Hendrikus Ferdinandus Maria VAN DER KROON (born March 4, 1942, in Amsterdam) is the founder and president of the Federation of European Carnival Cities (FECC).

The FECC is an international carnival association with over 500 members representing Carnival organizations in 52 countries with members from Eastern and Western Europe, America, Africa and the Caribbean isles. Since 1980, President van der Kroon has been a tireless missionary, traveling the world, bringing with him a plethora of knowledge regarding the history and tradition of global Carnivals. Throughout the year Henry van der Kroon and other board members travel to member cities and local Carnivals to learn, educate and often officiate at ceremonies and special events. Many Carnivals have grown and benefited from the mentorship of FECC. President van Der Kroon has been featured as a diplomatic star in over 300 parades. He draws cheering crowds with his large rotund physique, booming voice and regal demeanor. His uniform features a tuxedo and a most impressive tall, white and blue cock hat and numerous colorful medals hanging from his neck. Conventions and Celebrations FECC organizes two events annually. During springtime (May or June) a one week International Convention is held. All members are invited to a forum which enables them to promote their carnival and their city at seminars and workshops.

As chairman, Henry van der Kroon presides over the general assembly at each annual convention which began with Patras Carnival in 1981. A gala dinner is held at the beginning of each Convention. During the Opening Ceremony Mr. van der Kroon presents a specially minted medallion of the annual International Carnival capital city to each participant. A particular highlight of the convention is the award of special medallions of merit to individuals whose efforts have been exceptional in making the local Carnaval, Congress or organization succeed in their goals. "Everyone can still take part, create a fantasy - and follow their dreams." he has said,¹ but creating the chemistry of great Carnaval takes special efforts which should be recognized.

During autumn a less formal event called "Gala Dies Natalis" (annual birthday celebration) takes place in October. This is an exclusive gathering for members that is a celebration rather than a meeting. These events are always hosted by different member countries. A unique and charismatic individual, Henry van der Kroon is gregarious at one moment and serious the next. His intellect, kindness, humor and quick with as served him well. He has delivered the message of Carnaval to the world and garnered the necessary support of elected officials to preserve carnival traditions. The songs, stories, dances, floats and costumes passed on by many generations are best preserved as living traditions. The annual Carnival celebration highlighted with a grand parade, has insured continuation of these priceless traditions.

Among FECC President van der Kroon's boldest initiative is a bottom up initiative to bridge the gap and cooperate with the Arab world through the organization of festivals and carnivals.² "Carnival is not about jokes but about heritage."³ he told a group of Maltese officials preparing to host the 25th Silver Anniversary of the organization in 2005. "If ideologies fail to create a better world the cultural and the human sense can bring people closer and push away conflicts between civilization and religions."⁴ the FECC President told dignitaries and the people as he unveiled the third FECC monument in as many years at the 2007 Sousee, Tunisia Opening Ceremonies which was the first FECC International Carnival City Congress to held in an Arab and African country.

External links

* [http://www.carnivalcities.com Official FECC main web site -CarnivalCities.com]
* [http://www.fecc.be Official FECC-Belgium site -fecc.be ( English français & deutsch)]
* [http://www.fecc-deutschland.de Official FECC-deutschland.de (deutsch only)]
* [http://www.fecc-croatia.hr Official FECC-croatia.hr (hrvatski only)]
* [http://feccnederland.nl Official FECCNetherland.nl (dutch only --beware of unofficial sites!)]
* [http://www.karnevaliaalborg.dk/english/fecc.htm FECC-history at KarnevaliAalborg.dk ]

1- [http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/entertainment/1501893.stm @news.bbc.co.uk 25 August, 2001 Keeping the carnival spirit alive]

2- [http://www.e.gov.kw/Default.aspx?pageid=282&nid=164499 @e.gov.kw SOUSSE,Tunisia 24 April 2007 Kuna News Detail State of Kuwait ]

3- [http://www.di-ve.com/Default.aspx?ID=71&Action=1&NewsId=37899&currentPage=161 @di-ve.com by -Arts and Culture -- 23 February 2004 Nadur is World Carnival City]

4- [http://www.sfmission.com/cgi-bin/gallery/imageFolio.cgi?direct=FECC/President_Reports @sfmission.com FECC/President_Reports link to on-line video]