 Don't miss out on all the fun of carnival in Aruba! This joyful collection of celebrations and festivities include parades of dancers in vibrant costumes, floats and steel and brass bands playing in the streets. Contests are held for best costumes, musicians and singers as well as to crown the Carnival Queen. It's an island wide party full of traditional food, drink, music, dance and much more.
The Fool's Magic Hour (the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month) is the official start of Aruba's annual carnival preparations. Carnival actually takes place just before Lent, when Arubans let it all loose for six weeks of jump-ups (street parties), competitions, costumes and parades. The first event, the Old Mask Parade, takes place on the first Saturday after New Year's. Carnival's merriment ends with the Grand Carnival Parade, always held on the Sunday before Ash Wednesday.
 The boundless joy and creativity of Aruba's carnival has been celebrated for more than 40 years, and is derived from the Trinidadian festivities which were introduced by British West Indian immigrants in the 1940s. Today, the festival has taken on a distinct Aruban flavor, incorporating native Aruban festive traditions and cultural expressions. In addition, the festival has absorbed elements from other carnivals, including those in Venezuela, Brazil, Holland and other Caribbean islands. This animated mix of music, games and cultural styles reflects the diversity of multicultural Aruba.
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