WILLEMSTAD - The Tumba Festival starts on Monday evening. On the first night, twelve singers will compete for the coveted title of Tumba King. 

Former Tumba kings Irving Kano, Djuric Virginia, Amos Balentin, and Darwin Gregg are among the competitors on Monday evening. The other preliminary rounds will take place on Tuesday and Wednesday evenings at the Festival Center. 

The Tumba Festival finale is on Friday evening. Following criticism from previous festivals about the late start time, the organizers emphasize that the Tumba Festival will start on time, at 8:00 PM.