When is Aruba Carnival 2024?

Aruba Carnival always begins on the 1st January and continues right up until the start of Lent. The few days prior to Lent is when the main carnival celebrations occur. The Grand Parade always takes place on Shrove Sunday, which is the Sunday before Ash Wednesday, the first day of Lent. In 2024, the Aruba Carnival will take place from January 1 until February 14, 2024. 

Carnival in Aruba is the most anticipated event of the year! It is a whole month of celebrating with parades, parties and live music. You haven’t lived until you have experienced the Aruba Carnival spirit!

Aruba’s Carnival is a unique one of a kind experience. It is a vibrant and colorful party where you’re not just a spectator but also part of the celebrations. In the lead up to the Grand Parade there are weeks of musical competitions and Carnival Queen Contests.

Aruba's largest carnival parade

Aruba's largest carnival parade is filled with music and luxurious floats and costumes.

The largest carnival parade is the Grand Parade through Oranjestad, held on the Sunday before Ash Wednesday. This parade is filled with music and luxurious floats and costumes in various designs and decorated with a wide variety of colorful stones and feathers, creating a unique display. Aruba’s main event starts at 12:00 noon in Oranjestad and continues into the evening hours. This is the largest and longest of all the Aruba Carnival parades with the most spectators and participants. The midnight burning of King Momo, a life-size effigy of the spirit of Aruba's Carnival, signals the end of the season.