Though Aruba is already known as One Happy Island, this little nation is never more infectiously jubilant than during the months-long celebration of Carnival. And now, you can participate right in a parade—just like a local!
A Little Background…
Some 90 different nationalities now call this island home, so it’s no surprise that Aruba’s Carnival began as a creative gumbo of cultural celebrations, masquerade balls, costume parties, and tribute parades from elsewhere. Due to the influx of immigrants from around the world who were needed to work at the booming Lago Oil Refinery in the late ’40s and early ’50s, San Nicolas has become the seat of the island’s Carnival origins. The workers from Trinidad and Tobago (historic home of the most famous Caribbean Carnival) are credited for bringing steel pan music to the island.
Though the festivities don’t begin in earnest until January, the establishment of the Aruban Carnival Foundation—founded at 11:11 a.m. on the 11th day of the 11th of November in 1966—marks the official beginning of the season. Since 1981, when Tivoli, the island’s oldest social club, held a parade in Oranjestad with twinkling lights, tiny lights have been sewn right into the fabric of the stunning costumes for the Torch Parade. The painstaking toil put into the themed regalia each year is right off the charts! (See some past costume examples at the Carnival Euphoria Exhibition in San Nicolas.)
The Carnival Celebration
Today, Aruba’s Carnival spans over two months with gala pageants, lively music competitions, and many parades held all over the island. It culminates in the Grand Parade in Oranjestad, where the entire island comes out to celebrate. You’ll find that this island’s celebratory vibe is more family-friendly in its physical and musical expression than many other islands—though no less electric and invigorating! In fact, the two dedicated Children’s Parades have become some of its most popular events.
Want to Join the Jubilation Like a Local?
You need not be an ardent “carnavalista” to participate in the festivities if you plan ahead with the Aruba Tourist Carnival Group. They offer visitors a complete Carnival experience with the opportunity to join right in the march in a choice of three different parades, all suited up with a special costume that you order ahead.
The packages include food and drinks, light-up mugs, and group guides, with optional add-ons like hotel stays, activities, and much more. You also learn the most popular road march music ahead, so you can sing along and practice the dance/march moves via instructional videos on their website. So, why let the parade pass you by when you can really live Aruba’s Carnival experience like a local?
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