Carnival in Aruba–a Grand Parade to Celebrate One Happy Island

(Note to readers: If you want to read about the relaxing, kicked back side of Aruba, click here.)

Aruba is ‘one happy island’, and at no time is that more true than during Carnival each year.

Carnival is an annual two-month long celebration that culminates with the Grand Parade, a party that brings out the creative, flamboyant, festive side of the island people, along with thousands of tourists who flock to Aruba to join in the celebrations.

In the Grand Parade, participants literally dance their way through the streets…meandering several miles in full regalia that would rival any Vegas dance show.

People start lining the streets with chairs a week before the parade even happens, making sure they secure a primo spot for viewing all the phenomenal floats and colorful characters.  The spectators even dress the part, adding glitter to their bodies so that they sparkle, too.

One word of caution: this is not your kid’s parade.  In fact, children would probably have a hard time sitting in the hot sun for hours watching all the fun.  Adults, on the other hand, prepare with plenty of beverages to help keep them cool and happy during the all-day event.  The Grand Parade is always held on a Sunday and get this: Monday is declared an official holiday for everyone to recover.  Seriously.  And it’s necessary, speaking from personal experience.

This year’s 60^th Anniversary event was simply amazing.  I have to say, this is one of those events you truly should experience at least once in your lifetime (and odds are, if you go once, you’re going to want to go back).  I highly recommend you find some friendly Arubians to enjoy it with.  I watched with locals and had a blast—and made some lifelong friends, no doubt.