Carnival Time!

CARNIVAL TIME!

Carnival is hands down one of the most exciting and colorful times of the year in the Caribbean! The vibrant costumes and lively spirit of the Caribbean fills the streets and continues for several weeks with plenty of parades, upbeat music, costume contests and celebratory food and drink.

On Aruba and Bonaire, Carnival typically takes place right before Lent, giving locals one last hurrah before a traditional time of sacrifice, similar to the well-known Mardi Gras celebration in New Orleans. Here’s a brief tour through the festivities you’ll see this January and February on Aruba and Bonaire.

ARUBA

Carnival is celebrated throughout January and February with “jump ups”, which are fabulous street parties with parades, live music, Carnival Queen elections and other friendly competitions.

Plus, the Lighting Parade in downtown Oranjestad is not to be missed! Held in the evening, this vivacious parade features glowing costumes and floats with thousands of tiny sparkling lights for a truly impressive display.

The pinnacle of Carnival season happens during the Grand Parades in Oranjestad and San Nicolas. Participants take over their respective cities decked out in glitter, feathers, sequins and elaborate headdresses and dance down the parade routes accompanied by colorful floats and upbeat music. Hundreds of spectators enjoy the show-stopping pageantry during this spirited tradition, which is now in its 66 th year!

The fun ends with the burning of King Momo, an event that marks the end of Carnival Season for the year.

For more information on these events, visit www.visitaruba.com/things-to-do/carnival or ask the Concierge Desk for a Carnival schedule.

BONAIRE

Carnival, or Karnaval, as it’s often called on Bonaire, is a must-see event and a spectacle to behold on this island. Celebrations begin early in the year with Tumba music festivals in either Kralendijk or Rincon. Tumba is an Africaninfluenced type of music with hints of merengue and Latin jazz that originated on the ABC islands of Aruba, Bonaire and Curaçao. Local Tumba musicians compete for the opportunity to play in parades throughout the season.

“Jump-ins,” similar to Aruba’s “jump ups,” also happen frequently. Jump-ins move spontaneously from place to place and overflow on the streets of Bonaire’s major towns with an explosion of music, dancing, eating and drinking. Tourists and locals alike we welcomed to take part in jumpins, so don’t forget to wear your dancing shoes!

Grand Karnaval Parades are held in Kralendijk and Rincon shortly before the beginning of Lent. Participants in vibrant sequined costumes march and dance through the streets to the rhythm of joyful Tumba music. It’s an awe-inspiring expression of Bonaire’s dazzling culture.

Similar to Aruba, the fiery midnight burning of King Momo signifies the symbolic end of Karnaval on Bonaire.

For details on these events, visit www.infobonaire.com.