Leroy Prieto as ‘Horus’ Peola Marchan – ‘Isis’

Prieto portrayed the Egyptian god — "Horus."

At the show, billed a success despite the small crowd, 2004 Carnival Queen, Peola Marchan, received the judges’ nod for her rhythmic protrayal of the Egyptian goddess — Isis.

The mas was a taste of better things to come on Carnival Monday and Tuesday from the band — Egypt, Land of the Pharaohs.

The competition was not without hiccups, as the scheduled 8 am start was delayed by more than an hour due to technical difficulties. Then, veteran masquerader, Rosemarie Kuru-Jagessar, stumbled during her first performance before the judges. She had to be assisted by fellow band members as her costume "Minowa, Spirit of the Butterfly," fell sideways during her presentation. Helped off the stage, Kuru-Jagessar returned for the second parade with a severely-bruised right leg and knee. Masquerader, Gary Bowrin, also suffered from last-minute costume malfunctions as a wheel from his costume, "Nero’s Last Ride, Last Chariot," flew off during his parade before the judges.

Members of the audience also complained about the sound system which obscured the announcer’s voice during the presentation of the Kings and Queens on stage.

Complaints were also made about the non-appearance of guest artistes Black Stalin and Bunji Garlin, who were billed to perform after the Calypso Monarch competition. Controversy was also evident in the Calypso competition as the artistes did not appear for the show’s second round.

However, a stunning performance by Marchan, who won the crown in 2000 and 2004, wowed the small crowd as she swayed the large white, blue and gold costume with the slightest movement of her body. Marchan told Newsday that she was confident on entering the competition having said her prayers before taking the stage.

Prieto, who also depicted an ancient Egyptian God, mesmerised the audience as he also swayed his large costume in the cool midnight wind which blew across Skinner Park as the show neared its end.

The results of the Calypso Monarch competition will be released this week.