Experience Aruba Carnival 2011 Fun In The Making

The famous and unparalleled Aruba Carnival is already planned with events, music, parades and contests scheduled for this coming three month long party. The celebration begins in January with and ends the Tuesday before Lent begins.

Although Aruba is located in the southern part of the Caribbeans it is part of the Kingdom of Netherlands with a cultural blend of people and a history all its own. This small island is home to people of over 90 different nationalities and perhaps the most consistent trait seen in the people residing there, is their warm welcome to people visiting especially during Carnival.

Masquerades, brightly colored attire, throbbing irresistible music and street parades are just part of what gives a festive atmosphere to this anticipated celebration. Though carnival is a season that is celebrated in many parts of the world this little island takes their festivals seriously and the festivities start in January featuring parades and fireworks and finally conclude Tuesday night.

It may sound like an entirely adult party and it can be, but the younger set have their own parades as well. Parades for children take place in each district and even have their own Queen and King elected. However, the carnival has something for all age groups to enjoy.

The community welcomes visitors to this island anytime of year, but during the festival season good cheer and this friendly attitude are very evident and the welcome even warmer if that is possible. Long time residents and newcomers alike participate in impromptu parties, and all line the streets to view the parades as they pass by.

The most anticipated events during the Carnival season are the parades which are also known as jump-ups, and literally thousands of people line the streets as the brightly colored floats make their way through the town and music fills the air. The St. Nicolas parade, which is said to be one of the biggest, begins in early morning on March 5, 2011, and for those who prefer to sleep in, it continues at 1pm.

Each district features its own grand parade and on March 6, the Oranjestad grand parade begins at 11 pm. This is the fifty seventh annual parade in Oranestad, and it continues until well into evening.

The following Monday is a national holiday where merry makers flood the streets and the close of the celebration is near. Each area will have a different day to hold their final grand parade but the celebration continues in most until the night before Ash Wednesday.

Celebrations are wonderful and there are few to compare to those held in Aruba during carnival season but the gorgeous stretches of glittering sand, and warm sunny climate allow the visitor to rest a little between rounds of dancing and music. With miles of beaches and ocean, recreational activities in Aruba emphasize water sports, from the relatively sedate snorkel diving adventure to a true thrill of kite surfing they are all available.

Carnival season is a delightful and justifiably well known time for the visitor to Aruba but year round this island attracts visitors, couples on honeymoons, and adventurous party goers too.

We got to go to a bit of the Carnival in 2009. I love the way you describe this. I think we are going to try to aim for this in 2011.