Page 17 - ARUBA TODAY

LOCAL Tuesday 25 February 2020
A17

Carnival glammed up for its 66th edition

ORANJESTAD — While the events, queen elections by social clubs that start-
official opening of the car- and different parades are ed private costume and
nival season took off with all part of this spectacular masquerade parties.
the Torch Parade at Janu- phenomenon. Carnival is This year we celebrated
ary 5, the island caught part of Aruba’s history and Aruba’s 66th carnival,
the carnival fever and cultural heritage, actually which means that the
since then entered a se- it is the largest cultural fes- first grand parade took
ries of carnival events that tival on the island. For the place in 1955. Since than
come to its end today. Past islanders it is a way to ex- Aruba’s carnival has
weekend were the Grand press their creativity and grown big and is now
Parades at San Nicolas break away from the daily able to stand shoulder
and Oranjestad, today is buzz of life. Dancing to the to shoulder with the most
the Old Mask parade and rhythm of local music while renowned Carnival cel-
Burning of Momo. enjoying the ambiance of ebrations around the
the public are some of the world. q
The island is known for its ingredients of this festival.
white-sanded beaches Oranjestad and San Nico-
and perfect climate, but las are the stages for this
there is one time in the display of unique designed
year that Aruba draws costumes, amazing ambi-
thousands of visitors: car- ence and upbeat, local
nival. If you have never music.
been here before, come
in carnival season as your History
experience will be amaz- In the 1920’s the first carni-
ing. Sensational musical val events were organized