February 2012

If you are visiting Aruba in February then you wont fail to get in to the carnival spirit as the island comes alive with vibrant parades and contests throughout the streets.

Aruba’s carnival season attracts thousands of visitors each year who line the streets to marvel at the dramatic displays and parades. Excitement builds throughout the whole island with events in Oranjestad, San Nicolas and Noord, brought to a close on the eve of Ash Wednesday with the symbolic burning of ‘King Momo’.

February 1st 2012                Pre-Final Calypso & Roadmarch Contest
Where – JoeLaveist Sport Park
When – 7:30 pm

The islands most talented locals come together to compete to become King or Queen of Aruba’s Calypso & Roadmarch.

February 3^rd 2012                  37^th Children & 48^th Youth Carnival Queen Election
Where – Aruba Entertainment Centre
When – 7:00pm

The young hopefuls exude true carnival spirit giving speeches, dance performances and carnival shows, in an effort to be elected Queen of the season. The children’s age group is 6-9 years and 13-17 for the youth group.

February 4^th 2012                Grand Final Calypso & Roadmarch Contest
Where – Joe Laveist Ballpark
When - 7:00pm

This is one of the most popular events in the calendar and attracts up to 10,000 spectators. Get a flavour of calypso music performed with original lyrics and compositions by the people ofAruba. Feel the rhythm of Roadmarch which is what truly defines carnival season. The most popular songs will feature in the forthcoming jump-ups and parades.

February 5th 2012                Children’s Carnival Parade
Where – San Nicolas
When – 2:00pm

The streets of San Nicolas will come alive withAruba’s youngest carnival enthusiasts parading through the streets in their colourful costumes.

February 10^th 2012                58^th Carnival Queen Election
Where – Aruba Entertainment Centre
When – 7:00pm

Finally time to elect one of the most important individuals in the carnival season, the Aruba Carnival Queen. Many young representatives aged 17-25 from various districts, schools and social clubs, compete for the honour of leading the Grand Parade.

February 11^th 2012                Children’s Carnival Parade
Where – Noord
When – 1:00pm

Noord plays its part in the carnival festivities by hosting its own children’s parade. Children representing different elementary schools and social clubs put on vibrant displays of various themes.

 February 11^th 2012                Aruba’s Tivoli Lighting Parade
Where – Downtown Oranjestad
When – 8:00pm

Watch the streets of downtown Oranjestad become lit up by thousands of tiny lights incorporated in to costumes, floats and road pieces. Experience a spectacular visual display whilst listening to live bands accompanying the participating carnival groups.

February 12^th 2012                Children’s Grand Carnival Parade
Where – Downtown Oranjestad
When – 1:00pm

Bringing together carnival groups from Aruba’s 32^nd Grand Children Carnival Parade, giving them opportunity to exhibit their dancing skills and flamboyant costumes.

February 16^th 2012                Lighting Parade
Where – San Nicolas
When – 8:00pm

Following on from Oranjestad’s lighting parade, San Nicolas also hosts a parade with music, dancing and carnival spirit.

February 18^th 2012                Jouvert Morning
Where – San Nicolas
When – 4:00am

Locally referred to as ‘pyjama party’ this event is the islands largest ‘jump up’, thousands of enthusiasts from all over the island head to San Nicolas for this early morning party. Follow the parade through the streets with live music and party on until sunrise.

February 18^th 2012                Grand Carnival Parade
Where – San Nicolas
When – 1:00pm

The festivities continue in San Nicolas with a prelude to the Grand Carnival Parade. Local musicians are there to play out their latest carnival hits while others are dressed in their carnival costumes. Themed floats and dancers parade through the streets until sunset.

February 19^th 2012                Aruba’s 58^th Carnival Parade
Where – Oranjestad
When – 12:00 noon

By far the largest and most exuberant parade is the Grand Carnival Parade through Oranjestad. Held on the Sunday before Ash Wednesday, the parade is a unique display of the best the carnival has to offer. Lavish costumes and luxuriously decorated floats fill the streets with the main event starting at 12:00 noon, continuing in to the evening hours.

February 20^th 2012                Carnival Monday
Where – Oranjestad
When – 4:00pm

After all that celebrating the Aruban’s need some time to recuperate; Carnival Monday is a public holiday on the island. A traditional horse parade through downtown Oranjestad starts at 4:00pm.

February 20^th 2012                Old Mask Parade & Burning of King Momito
Where – San Nicolas
When – 4:00pm

The end of carnival season is marked by the symbolic burning of ‘King Momito’ in San Nicolas.

February 21st 2012                Old Mask Parade & Burning of King Momo
Where – Oranjestad
When – 8:00pm

The eve of Ash Wednesday sees the end of Carnival 57 with the burning of’ ‘King Momo’. Preceded with a parade through the streets of Oranjestad starting at 8pm.