Aruba Carnival 2026: Full Event Calendar & Parade Guide

Aruba Carnival is a month-long party filled with parades, music, and cultural celebrations from early January through mid-February. The season officially starts in November with build-up events, with most of the major festivities taking place from January 3 to February 16, 2026.

A quick heads-up: Some of the Carnival parades in Aruba can be pretty long and they almost never start exactly on time—lol. Things tend to run on island time, so patience is key. Grab a drink, relax, and enjoy the incredible energy and company of the locals while you wait—it’s all part of the experience. 

Also, please note that it can be very difficult to find taxis during Carnival events, so plan ahead. Be mindful of where you park, as streets may close unexpectedly, and expect detours and traffic delays while driving around the island during parade days.

Carnival in Aruba is one of the Caribbean’s most vibrant cultural experiences, blending music, dance, history, and community spirit into weeks of unforgettable festivities. Whether you’re into parades, music competitions, or sunrise jump-ups, this itinerary gives you all the dates and times you need to plan around Carnival week.

January

📅 January 3

Torch Parade (Parada di Flambeu)

🕗 8:00 PM – 3:00 AM (approx.)

📍 Oranjestad

The official kickoff of Carnival season with glowing torches, music, and an electric nighttime parade through downtown.

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📅 January 9

Children’s & Youth Calypso & Roadmarch Contest

🕕 6 PM

A lively musical competition showcasing young performers and future Carnival stars.

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📅 January 10

Youth & Adult Queen Elections

🕕 6 PM

📍 Location varies

Carnival royalty takes center stage with elaborate costumes, performances, and pageantry.

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📅 January 11

Children’s & Carnival Queen Election

🕖 6:00 PM onward

📍 Location varies

The official crowning of the Carnival Queen and Children’s Queen, setting the tone for the season ahead.

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📅 January 16

Children’s & Youth Tumba Festival

A high-energy night celebrating Aruba’s signature tumba music with young performers.

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📅 January 17

54th Tumba Festival

One of the most important musical events of Carnival, featuring top tumba and soca performers.

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📅 January 18

Fantasy Parade (Parada di Fantasia)

🕑 2:00 PM – 6:00 PM

📍 San Nicolas

A colorful daytime parade with creative costumes and family-friendly vibes.

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📅 January 30

Parada Escolar Basico y Profesional

🕑 2:00 PM 

📍 Oranjestad

A super fun street/block party

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📅 January 31

Parada di Mucha Noord

🕑 2:00 PM 

📍 Noord

Street/block party

February

📅 February 1

Children’s Grand Carnival Parade

🕐 1:00 PM – 6:00 PM

📍 Oranjestad

A joyful parade featuring children in vibrant costumes marching through downtown.

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📅 February 4

Noord International Sunset Parade

🕕 6:00 PM

📍 Noord

A festive evening parade set against a sunset backdrop—lively but slightly more relaxed.

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📅 February 6–7

Jouvert Morning & Pre-Jouvert Festivities

🕒 2pm 

📍 San Nicolas / Oranjestad

One of Carnival’s wildest celebrations—sunrise street parties filled with music, dancing, and paint.

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📅 February 7

Grand Lighting Parade (Parada di Luz)!!!!!!!!!

🕗 8:00 PM

📍 Oranjestad

A nighttime parade featuring illuminated costumes and glowing floats.

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📅 February 8

Children’s Carnival Parade

🕐 1:00 PM – 6:00 PM

📍 San Nicolas

Another family-focused parade highlighting young Carnival participants.

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📅 February 12

San Nicolas Lighting Parade

🕗 8:00 PM – 2:00 AM

📍 San Nicolas

A late-night celebration filled with lights, music, and nonstop energy.

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Grand Carnival Weekend

📅 February 14

San Nicolas Grand Carnival Parade

🕚 11:00 AM – 7:00 PM

📍 San Nicolas

One of Carnival’s biggest parades with massive floats, music trucks, and high-energy performances.

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📅 February 15

Aruba’s 72nd Grand Carnival Parade!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

🕚 11:00 AM – 7:00 PM

📍 Oranjestad

The main event of Carnival season and an absolute must-see.

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📅 February 15

Burning of King Momo

🕖 7:00 PM – 10:00 PM

📍 Oranjestad

A symbolic ceremony marking the official close of Carnival festivities.

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📅 February 16

Carnival Monday (Public Holiday)

📍 Island-wide

A national holiday with continued celebrations, music, and a relaxed, festive atmosphere as Carnival winds down.

*Please note, some information may change after this has been published. Check the following sources for updates Aruba.com and Laquintaaruba.com.