Aruba Kicks of 54th Carnival Season with Caribbean Festivities, Parades, Contests, Concerts & More!

At 11:11 a.m. on November 11, 2007, Aruba officially announced the beginning of the 54th annual Carnival season. The planning has kicked off and Aruba is gearing up for the biggest celebration of the year, starting on January 5 and culminating with the exciting Grand Carnival Parade on Sunday, February 3. Aruba’s Carnival season features festive parades, colorful costumes, fantastic floats, exciting contests, amazing musical performances and much more! Visitors to the Caribbean island will be enchanted by the celebratory atmosphere and constant festival activities, sure to make any vacation to the island paradise even more unforgettable. Aruba invites travelers to put on their party hats and become honorary Arubans during Carnival and discover the wonders of the season with the friendliest people, most beautiful beaches and best nightlife in the Caribbean. Isn’t that a reason to celebrate?

Some highlights of the 2008 Carnival season include:

January 5 – Aruba’s Torch Parade
The first official parade of the carnival season, Aruba’s Torch Parade lights the streets of the capital city of Oranjestad and sets the mood for the weeks of festival activities ahead.

January 12 – Aruba’s Grand Tumba Contest
Tumba is a type of music native to Africa that has been infused with Caribbean rhythms. Local bands and singers showcase original musical compositions and lyrics and compete for the Tumba King or Queen title.

January 24 – Aruba’s Carnival Queen Election
Young women compete for the honor of leading the Grand Parade as Carnival Queen, one of the most important Carnival representatives. The election is marked by lavish production numbers and is headed by a panel of local and international judges.

January 26- Aruba’s Spectacular Lighting Parade
Aruba’s favorite evening carnival parade is a visual treat. Thousands of tiny lights are incorporated into costumes, road pieces and floats, bringing an added dramatic effect to an already stunningly, creative display. Live bands accompany the various participating carnival groups. Held in downtown Oranjestad, beginning at 8:00 pm.

January 27 – Children’s Grand Carnival Parade
This children’s parade allows hundreds of the island’s youngest Carnival enthusiasts to show off their dancing skills and colorful costumes.

January 25 – Dia de Betico (Betico Croes Day)
On the day of his birth, Aruba pays tribute to its greatest statesman. The late Gilberto Francois “Betico” Croes helped Aruba obtain its “Status Aparte” (separate status) within the Dutch Kingdom. This official holiday features various sporting events and games throughout the island.

January 29- Tourist Night and Steelband Show
Spectacular night featuring a talented steel band show with great carnival costumes at Paseo Herencia starting at 7 p.m.

February 1- Carnival Showdown Window to the World
For the first time ever, Aruba’s Grand Carnival parade is highlighted with a concert featuring the Caribbean “Diva,” Allison Hinds, will present to Aruba, and the world, her hot Calypso music at the Aruba Entertainment Center.

February 2 – Jouvert Morning
Carnival’s biggest “jump-up,” this extravaganza features local musical bands on floats making their way through the streets of San Nicolas (Aruba’s oldest city). Set the alarm clock: this exciting jump-up begins at 4 a.m. and lasts until the sun comes up.

February 3 – 54th Annual Grand Carnival Parade
The largest and most impressive of Carnival parades makes its way through the capital of Oranjestad on the Sunday before Ash Wednesday. The parade is a feast for the eyes, complete with live music, incredible and unique floats and elaborate costumes, all handmade.