Aruba's Carnival

Aruba is preparing for the island's largest month-long party with the 58th annual Carnival celebration January 31 - February 21, 2012. Aruba's Carnival celebration is a colorful event during which music and extravagant costumes take center stage. The month-long festival consists of street parties, festive parades and creative contests for locals and visitors alike. Parties are held in various districts throughout the month, giving everyone the opportunity to participate and dance to Aruba's most popular brass band, steel band and roadmarch tunes.

The attractions include the Carnival Queen Election when Aruba elects the Aruba Carnival Queen. Aruba's Tivoli Lighting Parade takes place in downtown Oranjestad and incorporates thousands of tiny lights into costumes, road pieces and floats, bringing an added dramatic effect to the extravagant display. Carnival's biggest event will be the 58th Grand Carnival Parade, an all-day event, which winds its way down city avenues to the delight of thousands of spectators. The Grand Parade is filled with music and festive floats and costumes, in imaginative designs and decorated with a wide variety of colorful stones and feathers, creating a unique display. The parade starts at 11 a.m. in Oranjestad and continues into the evening hours.