Aruba Carnival 73 will begin on November 11, 2026, with a schedule designed for an unusually early season that ends with the Oranjestad Grand Parade on February 7, 2027.
The outgoing SMAC board prepared the program before Rusette Croes was introduced as the organization’s new president. Former president Darren van Ommeren also presented annual reports from previous boards and a safety plan developed with stakeholders.
Aruba Carnival 73 schedule opens in November
The season’s protocol ceremony is scheduled for 10:30 a.m. on November 11 at the Aruba Tourism Authority headquarters on Henny Eman Boulevard. Caiso and Soca pre-finals will follow on November 11 and 12, with the Calypso Showdown on November 13 and the Prince and Pancho election on November 14.
Youth events continue with the Children and Youth Tumba Festival on November 20 and the Children and Youth Calypso and Road March contest on November 21. The program then pauses until January.
January brings elections and major parades
The Torch Parade is set for January 9. Children’s and youth queen elections follow on January 15, while the 55th Tumba Festival is scheduled for January 16. San Nicolas will host the Fantasy Parade on January 17.
The main queen and Mrs. Carnival elections are scheduled for January 21. Primary-school students will parade in Oranjestad on January 22, and Noord’s children’s parade will mark its 60th edition on January 23. The Caiso and Soca final is also scheduled for January 23.
The Transfer of Command will take place from 9 to 10 a.m. on January 24, followed by the Oranjestad Children’s Parade. Secondary-school parades in Oranjestad and San Nicolas and the Savaneta Masquerade Parade are planned for January 29.
Grand parades conclude the early season
Jouvert Morning in San Nicolas starts at 3 a.m. on January 30, with the Oranjestad Lighting Parade later that day. San Nicolas hosts its children’s parade and the burning of Momo on January 31.
The final week includes the San Nicolas Lighting Parade on February 4 and a Caya Paden event on February 5. The San Nicolas Grand Parade is scheduled for February 6, followed by the Oranjestad Grand Parade and the final burning of King Momo at Harbour Arena on February 7.
Source: Diario.
