Carnival has been held every year since the beginning of the 20th century in Aruba
Parades and beautiful costumes are just one part of the carnivals in Aruba. It is a sequence of all sorts of festive activities in which the locals dance into the new year. The first Carnival parade took place in San Nicolás, started by immigrants from Trinidad and other British islands in the Caribbean. Today, it is something that the entire island looks forward to starting in November of each year.
Carnival Activities
The best way to keep track of all the Carnival activities is to check the events calendar in Aruba. Carnival begins with the “torchlight parade”, which brings to life the “spirit” of Carnival. It is held on the first Saturday after New Year’s Day. The days after the torchlight parade are filled with different activities, such as the election of the Carnival queen and musical events. Carnival queens, from different age groups, will perform in upcoming parades in Noord, Oranjestad and San Nicolas. If you visit Aruba during the Carnival season, you must experience the parades first hand. After all, Carnival parades are nothing without thousands of spectators.
Children’s Parade in the North
This parade is the perfect introduction to Carnival. It’s not too long; the people are quite calm as most of them are preparing for the parade of lights that same night, and you can see cute kids in cute costumes.
Parade of Lights in Oranjestad
This parade is at night and the lights create a unique sight. Participants decorate their costumes with small string lights and dance the night away. Groups go all out with their floats, turning into these magically illuminated works of art.
Grand parades in Oranjestad and San Nicolas
It is the main event of the Carnival and is what spectators and participants look forward to the most. You can see the most beautiful costumes, colorful feathers and happy people. It’s really a whole community coming together and celebrating life.
Source : Aruba Tourist Board
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