Aruba’s Carnival Celebration

January 3

ARUBA’S TORCH PARADE

A beloved tradition with deep roots, the Torch Parade was originally organized by Aruba’s oldest social club, Tivoli. Today, it proudly serves as the official opening parade on the Carnival schedule, setting the stage for weeks of vibrant festivities. As night falls, the streets of Oranjestad come alive with a dazzling procession of lights, music, and celebration. Beginning at 8:00 p.m., this iconic parade illuminates the island and ignites the Carnival spirit, leading the way for the spectacular events to follow.

January 9

CHILDREN’S & YOUTH CALYPSO & ROADMARCH CONTEST

This contest is part of Aruba’s vibrant Carnival season and serves as a platform for the island’s young musical talents to shine. Children and youth, typically between 8 and 15 years old, compete for the prestigious titles of King or Queen of Calypso and Roadmarch. Each participant performs original or arranged Carnival songs in the traditional Calypso style or upbeat Roadmarch rhythm, showcasing creativity, vocal ability, and stage presence. Location: TBA. Time: 6:00 p.m

January 10 

YOUTH & MRS. CARNIVAL QUEEN ELECTION

The Carnival season kicks off with the exciting election of its first queens! The Youth Carnival Queen Election features contestants aged 13 to 17, showcasing talent, confidence, and creativity. Meanwhile, the Mrs. Carnival Queen Election celebrates experienced participants—young at heart and full of pride—representing districts, schools, and social clubs across Aruba. Both competitions highlight the essence of Carnival through dynamic dance performances, inspiring speeches, and dazzling stage presentations, setting the tone for the festivities ahead. Location: TBA. Time: 6:00 p.m

January 11

CHILDREN & CARNIVAL QUEEN ELECTION

This lively event crowns two sets of queens: the Children’s Carnival Queen and the Carnival Queen, with the latter holding the prestigious role of leading the entire Carnival season. The Children’s Carnival Queen Election features contestants aged 6 to 9, while the Aruba Carnival Queen Election welcomes participants between 17 and 25 years old. Both competitions are marked by dazzling production numbers and judged by a panel of local and international experts. Highlights include vibrant skits, stunning Carnival costumes, and spirited dance performances—making this one of the most anticipated celebrations of the season. Location: TBA. Time: 6:00 p.m.

January 16 

CHILDREN & YOUTH TUMBA FESTIVAL

The Children & Youth Tumba Festival is a vibrant showcase of Aruba’s youngest musical talents, celebrating the island’s rich Carnival traditions through the infectious rhythms of Tumba music. This spirited event brings together contestants from two age groups—children and youth, who perform original compositions that capture the essence of Carnival. Marked by colorful costumes, dynamic choreography, and live bands, the festival is judged by a panel of experts who evaluate creativity, stage presence, and musicality. It’s an unforgettable evening of culture and rhythm, highlighting the next generation of Carnival stars.

January 17

TUMBA FESTIVAL #54

The Adult Tumba Festival celebrats the island’s musical heritage through the powerful rhythms of Tumba. Now in its 54th edition, this event features talented composers, lyricists, and performers competing with original songs that embody the spirit of Carnival. Contestants are judged on creativity, musical arrangement, and stage presence, with live bands adding energy to every performance.

January 18

FANTASY PARADE

As the very first parade of Aruba’s Carnival festivities, the Fantasy Parade (Parada di Fantasia) is a fantastic start for the weeks of vibrant celebrations ahead. This special event is dedicated to the island’s youngest, as children proudly take the streets in colorful costumes that embody the joy and creativity of Carnival.

January 31

CHILDREN’S NOORD PARADE

The Children’s Noord Parade is a joyful celebration that brings the youngest Carnival participants to center stage. This colorful daytime parade fills the streets of Noord with vibrant costumes, lively music, and the infectious energy of Aruba’s future Carnival stars. Families and spectators gather to cheer on the children as they proudly showcase their creativity and cultural pride through dazzling outfits and spirited performances. It’s a heartwarming tradition that highlights the community’s commitment to keeping Carnival alive for generations to come.

January 31 

ARUBA’S SOCA MONARCH 2026 FINALS CONTEST

One of the most thrilling highlights of Aruba’s Carnival season, the Soca Monarch Contest attracts a high volume of spectators for an unforgettable night of music and culture. This annual festival celebrates the creativity and spirit of the island through original compositions and lyrics, blending the sharp and infectious rhythms of Soca and the high-energy beats of Road March. The contest not only crowns the season’s musical champions but also sets the soundtrack for upcoming jump-ups and parades, as the most popular songs become Carnival anthems. Expect vibrant performances, and an atmosphere charged with excitement.

February 1 

CHILDREN’S GRAND CARNIVAL PARADE IN ORANJESTAD

The largest children’s parade of the season includes all of the island’s various Carnival groups coming together to form Aruba’s Children’s Grand Carnival Parade. Hundreds of children enjoy the opportunity to show off their dancing skills and colorful costumes. Held in downtown Oranjestad, the event begins at 1 p.m.

February 4

NOORD INTERNATIONAL SUNSET PARADE

The district of Noord presents the Sunset International Parade with the attendance of visitors and locals alike providing a flavor of the Noord Carnival spirit. The event starts at 6 p.m.

February 6 

MASCARADE PARADE AT SAVANETA

Savaneta district showcases its Carnival spirit with a lively adult & children's parade. The neighborhood takes part in bringing colorful interpretations of various themes to life. The event starts at 8 p.m.

February 6 & 7 

PRE-JOUVERT AND JOUVERT MORNING

An open invitation to Aruba’s largest “jump-up” is extended to Carnival enthusiasts throughout the island. Popularly known as the “pajama party”, it attracts thousands of people to San Nicolas to follow the various live music caravans down the city streets. Set the alarm clock! This exciting activities-jump-up begins at 8 pm on February 6th and continues until sunrise on February 7th in downtown San Nicolas.

February 7 

ARUBA’S GRAND LIGHTING PARADE

Aruba’s favorite evening Carnival parade is a visual treat. Thousands of tiny lights are incorporated into costumes, road pieces, and floats, heightening the dramatic effect of an already stunning and creative display. Live bands accompany the various participating Carnival groups. Held in downtown Oranjestad, the parade begins at 8 p.m.

February 8 

CHILDREN’S CARNIVAL PARADE IN SAN NICOLAS

Aruba’s youngest Carnival enthusiasts take center stage in this vibrant parade through the streets of San Nicolas. Dressed in colorful costumes inspired by a variety of creative themes, the children bring energy and joy to the heart of Carnival. The parade begins at noon in downtown San Nicolas and concludes with the traditional burning of “Momito,” symbolizing the farewell to the festivities and the anticipation of the grand celebrations to come.

February 12 

SAN NICOLAS LIGHTING PARADE

The San Nicolas Lighting Parade shines with its vibrant display of dance, music, and Carnival spirit. Illuminated costumes create a magical nighttime atmosphere that celebrates creativity and tradition. The parade begins at 8:00 p.m., lighting up the streets of San Nicolas with energy and excitement as Carnival festivities continue.

February 14 

72ND SAN NICOLAS GRAND CARNIVAL PARADE

Serving as a vibrant introduction to Aruba’s main Carnival celebration, this parade transforms the streets of San Nicolas into a spectacular showcase of music and artistry. Local musicians set the tone with their latest Carnival hits, creating an irresistible rhythm for marchers dressed in resplendent costumes. Beautifully decorated themed floats, accompanied by their floor members, wind through the streets in a dazzling procession that lasts until sunset. The parade begins at noon in San Nicolas, offering a colorful and energetic prelude to the grandeur that awaits in Oranjestad.

February 15 

ARUBA’S 72nd GRAND CARNIVAL PARADE

The highlight of Aruba’s Carnival season, the Grand Parade in Oranjestad, takes place on the Sunday before Ash Wednesday. This spectacular event features unforgettable music, elaborately themed floats, and stunning costumes adorned with colorful stones, sequins, andfeathers—creating a dazzling display of artistry and tradition. The parade begins at 10:00 a.m. in Oranjestad and continues into the early evening, offering a vibrant celebration that captures the essence of Carnival. Carnival officially concludes with the symbolic burning of King Momo, immediately following the Grand Parade at the Oranjestad Harbor Arena. This tradition marks the end of weeks of festivities and the farewell to another unforgettable Carnival season.

February 16

CARNIVAL MONDAY

Official holiday.