One of your trip essentials
One of the most important celebrations held on the island is the Aruba Carnival. Discover why you should include this wonderful cultural experience on your trip schedule.
Here’s everything you should know
The Aruba Carnival is a vibrant and lively celebration that takes place annually in the weeks leading up to Lent. It’s a common celebration in islands and countries located in the Caribbean, and one of the biggest and most anticipated events on Aruba’s calendar.
This celebration is known for its colorful parades, energetic music, elaborate costumes, and overall festive atmosphere.
The Carnival season in Aruba usually begins in January and closes in February or early March. However, the most significant events take place during the final weeks. The exact dates can vary each year, so it’s advisable to check the specific schedule for the year you plan to visit.
The Aruba Carnival dates 2024, range from early January to mid-February. You can look at the specific dates at Visit Aruba.
The Celebrations
The festivities kick off with the Tumba Festival, a music competition where local musicians showcase their skills by performing carnival songs called “tumba.” This event sets the stage for the upcoming celebrations.
The highlight of the Aruba Carnival is the Grand Parade, also known as the “Gran Marcha.” This colorful procession features spectacular floats, dancers, musicians, and participants dressed in stunning costumes. The parade winds through the streets of Oranjestad, the capital city, and attracts thousands of locals and visitors who line the streets to cheer and enjoy the festivities.
In addition to the Grand Parade, there are several other events and activities that take place during Carnival. These include smaller parades, street parties, music concerts, beauty pageants, and various cultural performances.
Many neighborhoods in Aruba also organize their own mini-carnivals known as “jump-ups,” where locals and visitors can join in the gatherings.
The Themes
Aruba’s carnival celebration has a different theme each year. It usually sets the tone for all of the festivities. Local groups, known as “comparsas,” spend months preparing their costumes, choreography, and music in line with the chosen theme.
The theme is often announced well in advance, allowing participants to unleash their creativity and create visually stunning and thematically cohesive presentations.
The Parades
Children’s Carnival
Aruba’s Carnival is a family-friendly event that has a special focus on children’s participation. This event consists of young participants showcasing their costumes, dancing abilities, and youthful energy.
Lighting Parade
One of the unique events during the carnival magic is the Lighting Parade, also known as “Marcha di Candelas.” This nighttime parade features floats and participants adorned with illuminated decorations, lights, and candles.
The twinkling lights create a magical ambiance as the procession winds its way through the streets, providing a different and enchanting experience compared to the parades that happen during the day.
Jouvert Morning
Another popular event that happens in carnival paradise is Jouvert Morning, which typically takes place in the early hours of the day before the Grand Parade. Jouvert is a Creole word that means “daybreak“.
During this parade, revelers take to the streets covered in paint, mud, or other colorful substances. It’s a wild and energetic celebration where participants dance, sing, and enjoy the festive atmosphere.
Calypso and Roadmarch Music
Music plays a significant role in Aruba’s Carnival, with Calypso and Roadmarch being the dominant genres. Calypso music combines catchy rhythms with witty and often humorous lyrics that reflect social and political commentary.
Road march songs are the most popular tunes of the Carnival season, and they are played repeatedly during the parades, creating a lively and infectious atmosphere.
Farewell Burning
To finish off the carnival events, the Farewell Burning, also known as the “Marcha di Caha,” takes place. This event symbolizes the end of the Carnival season and involves the burning of a symbolic structure or effigy, often representing King Momo (the mythical Carnival King).
The Farewell Burning is accompanied by music, dancing, and fireworks, creating a grand finale to the festivities.
An experience worth having
Carnival in Aruba is a time of joy, celebration, and cultural pride that showcases the vibrant spirit of the island. It offers visitors a chance to immerse themselves in the local culture and traditions.
Whether you’re watching the parades, dancing to the infectious music, or admiring the intricately designed costumes, Aruba’s Carnival is an experience that is sure to leave a lasting impression.
At Ocean Z, we’d be more than glad to be your companions as you enjoy these festivities and the rest of the island’s wonders. Our concierge team will help you figure out your schedule and which parades to attend.
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