Page 372 - The Dutch Caribbean Isles
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ruba Carnival - Get into the spirit of feathered and sequined regalia are joined of adorable miniature marchers in creative
by imaginative rolling road pieces and huge and colorful costumes. These are profes-
A Aruba’s biggest party of the year - a music machines on wheels. Some carnival sional productions organized and overseen
groups in Aruba have hundreds of partici- by parents. The Grand Carnival Parade in
month-long celebration with festive street pants. Lining the streets along the routes of Aruba’s second capital San Nicolas be-
parties known as “jump-ups” and spectacu- the Grand Parades are trailers of all shapes gins with jouvert morning, a combination
lar parades. Lovelies of all ages strut their and sizes; many spectators are also happy pajama party and jump-up, beginning in
stuff at Carnival Queen elections, compet- just to stand at the side of the road. A spirit the wee hours and lasting until dawn. The
ing for the coveted crown. Aruba Carnivals of camaraderie and happy anticipation is Grand Carnival Parade in Oranjestad takes
events are remembered for their powerful felt by all as the hours of waiting are filled place on the following day, making for an
music. Winning songs selected at carnival with food and drink, greeting and social- exhausting but exhilarating weekend. This
competitions in Aruba include the best izing. Carnival in Aruba is way too much is the largest and longest of all the Aruba
calypso with politically-charged lyrics and fun to miss! Here are some highlights of the Carnival parades with the most spectators
social commentaries, and the best road wild and wonderful Aruba Carnival celebra- and participants. The midnight burning of
march with catchy lyrics and melodies and tions and parades ahead: The Lighting Pa- King Momo, a life-size effigy of the spirit
movements all perform together. Years rade is a twinkling nighttime extravaganza. of Aruba’s Carnival, signals the end of the
later, many still “do the wiper”, “hit the Tiny lights sewn into costumes create a season. Rivaling that of Rio de Janeiro and
floor”, and “jump with your towel!” Grand magical effect as marchers make their way New Orleans, Aruba’s Carnival is a thrilling
Parades in San Nicolas and Oranjestad along the Aruba carnival parade route. The show of over-the-top pageantry 60 years in
are the biggest celebration parties of the afternoon Children’s Parades feature groups the making.
season and shut down both cities. Under
the blazing sun, marchers in resplendent
