ARUBA – It has been said that you have not lived until you have experienced the spirit of Carnival in Aruba.
The 58th annual Carnival celebration kicks off on January 8, 2012 and is followed by weeks of events that bring you floats, continuous music, glamorously decorated groups of participants of all ages, king and queen elections, torch parades that wind through the streets, and finally the grand parade, which takes place March 8.
”This is the greatest party ever,” said Matthew Smillie, owner of Vacation Homes, which specializes in Aruba villas for rent. ”It is an event for the entire family and the fanfare is as exciting in the beginning as it is when the “celebration comes to an end.”
Jan. 8 - Aruba’s oldest social club, the Tivoli Club, organizes Aruba’s Torch Parade, which is the official parade on the Carnival schedule.
Jan. 29 – Local bands and singers compete to be crowned the Tumba Queen or King in the grand finale tumba contest.
Feb. 4 – Contestants compete to become Mrs. Carnival through a series of skits and joyful displays of Carnival costumes and dance.
Feb. 5 - The Calypso and Road March contest is one of the biggest and most popular local music festivals, attracting more than 10,000 people. Samples of sounds and popular songs of Carnival that will be featured in upcoming celebrations will be played.
Feb. 19 – Young women between the ages of 17 and 25 representing various districts, schools and social clubs will compete to become Aruba Carnival Queen and lead the Grande Parade.
Feb 26 Aruba’s Tivoli lighting parade is among the favorites for guests, as there are tiny lights incorporated into costumes, road pieces and floats.
”I would not, under any circumstances, miss this event,” the family beach villas provider said. ”There are people lined up along the street to watch this parade for miles and it is a sight to see.”
March 5 – Beginning at 4 a.m., thousands of people gather in San Nicolas to follow the live music caravans down the streets during jouvert morning, also known as the pajama party, which is the island’s largest jump up (street party).
March 5 - The Grande Carnival parade in San Nicolas is the prelude to the Grande Carnival parade.
March 6 – Held the Sunday before Ash Wednesday, the largest Carnival parade winds through Oranjested. It is filled with music, decorated floats and costumes.
March 8 – On the eve of Ash Wednesday, Carnival 58 will come to a close with the burning of King Momo- the symbol of flesh.
”This is the best time to visit Aruba, so book your Aruba beach villa as soon as possible,” said the vacation condo rentals expert. ”There are a lot of events for children as well, which makes this an ideal opportunity to mix fun and family on your vacation in one of our “oceanfront rentals.”
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