Aruba Carnival

You have not lived until you have experienced the spirit of Carnival as it is celebrated in Aruba!

View the Aruba Carnival 2027 schedule for dates, times and locations (73rd Edition)

Aruba Carnival fills the streets with costumed dancers, decorated floats and live music. From the illuminated costumes of the Torch Parade in Oranjestad to the early-morning street party of Jouvert in San Nicolas, each event has its own character. The season also features children’s parades, Carnival queen elections, and music competitions featuring tumba, calypso and soca.

Aruba Carnival 2027 highlights

The first parade of Aruba’s 73rd Carnival is the Torch Parade in Oranjestad on January 9, 2027. Grand Parade weekend brings two days of celebrations: Saturday, February 6, in San Nicolas and Sunday, February 7, in Oranjestad.

Aruba Carnival 2027 schedule for dates, times and locations

Which Aruba Carnival events should you see?

Torch Parade (Parada di Flambeu) — The first parade of the season lights up Oranjestad with illuminated costumes and live music.
Jouvert Morning — An early-morning street party in San Nicolas where revelers follow music trucks through town, often dressed in pajamas.
Children’s Carnival Parades — Young performers take to the streets in Noord, Oranjestad and San Nicolas. These are a good starting point if you’re visiting with children.
Lighting Parades (Parada di Luz) — Watch after dark as lights woven into costumes and floats bring the parades to life in Oranjestad and San Nicolas.
Grand Carnival Parades — The final parade weekend begins in San Nicolas and continues the following day in Oranjestad, with elaborate costumes, large floats and live bands.

Why does Aruba have two Grand Carnival Parades?

Aruba’s tradition of holding two Grand Parades dates back to 1957. San Nicolas hosts the first and Oranjestad hosts the second. Explore Aruba’s Carnival history to see how social clubs, steel bands and neighborhood celebrations helped shape Carnival as it is today.

Check out our blog to discover why Carnival Season is the perfect time for people to come visit us in Aruba!

A Glimpse of Aruba's Carnival

(Click below to view the past Carnival parades)

Aruba's 65th Carnival