Carnival in Curacao

Originally, the carnival began as the religious practice of the Catholics, ‘Carne Levale’ meaning ‘Abstinence from Meat for Lent’, in Curacao. The practice continued in here even in the 19th century when the people organized the masquerade parties and marches in the private clubs. The Curacao Carnival gained worldwide popularity only after 1969. It has now become one of the largest and longest carnival spectacles in the Caribbean Islands.

After the official opening of the carnival, the carnival groups assemble and go around dancing in the streets. The follow the musical bands wearing T-Shirts so that the audiences can recognize the name of the group. All through the following weeks these groups organize Jump ups (outdoor) and Jump ins (indoor) selling T-Shirts to raise money for their participation in the Gran Marcha (The Grand Parade). The main marches take place in February and March. The marches are the sight of floats, costumes and characters as well as carnival royalty elected during beauty contests.

The two prominent marches are the Curacao’s Gran Marcha (The Grand Parade) held during the day on one Sunday and the Marcha Despedida (The Farewell March) held on a Tuesday couple of days later. On the Marcha Despedida, the floats are adorned with sparkling lights. On the finale of the parade at the midnight, the Momo (a big straw-filled doll) is burned. The celebrations of carnival usually last till the eve of Ash Wednesday.

The characters include the Carnival Queen, Carnival King, Prince and Pancho. The Carnival Queen represents the Mother Earth, symbol of fertility and peace. The Carnival King (King Momo) symbolizes infertility, sins and bad luck. The straw-filled king is burned in a remarkable ritual at the end of the carnival.

The carnival routes alter every year but it does passes through Otrobanda.

Official Schedule of Carnival 2007

The eight weeks of festivity commences at Willemstad underscored by revelers dancing in the streets in last year’s costumes.

Carnival Jump Ups (After 6.00 pm)

The weekend street dances and parties, called Jump ups sponsored by the local organizations are held weekly throughout the carnival. There are two or three Jump ups every evening all over the island, including on both quarters of Willemstad on both sides of St. Ana Bay and at Banda Bou.

Curacao Regatta 2007 (22^nd – 28^th January 2006)

This annual event is one of the largest of its kind in the Caribbean Island. The 24^th edition of the Curacao Regatta will not only host the traditional classes like Yachts, Flashes and Catamarans but also the South-American and Caribbean Championships in the Sunfish Class. The official website for Curacao Regatta is www.curacaoregatta.com.

Election of Queen, Prince and Pancho (Youth) (27^th January 2007)

The official youth representatives for the carnival are elected.

Election of Queen, Prince and Pancho (28^th January 2007)

The official youth representatives for the carnival are elected.

Youth Tumba Festival (4^th February 2006)

Talented local youth play their original tunes in the competition out of which one will be selected as the Children's Road March. It is held at the Curacao Festival Center.

Special Celebration for the Elderly (7^th February 2007)

Election of King and Queen Teenager (8^th February 2007)

Carnival Parade at Banda Bou (11^th February 2007)

In the scenic countryside of the western part of the island, a full day of revelry takes place in the streets of Banda Bou villages.

Horse Parade (11^th February 2007)

The horse parade is a special attraction for those who are drawn to nature and love to see the beautifully decked horses gracefully prancing in the streets with their riders dressed up to match the occasion. All the riding schools and private horse owners participate to show off their animals and their skills.

Teenager Parade/ Parade of Teenagers (16^th February 2006)
Young people are in the spotlight with their own Carnival Parade in Willemstad.

Youth Parade (17^th February 2006)
Young children up to 6^th grades take to the streets of Willemstad for their own full-scale parade.

Grand Carnival Parade (18^th February 2006)
Gran Marcha (The Grand Parade) on February 18 is the highlight of the Carnival Season when thousand of participants in many groups will flaunt their colorful costumes and floats, dance and strut to the music of the Road March. Along the 10-km route, tens of thousands spectators will dance, jump, drink and outdo themselves in the wildest expressions of joy as this culmination of the carnival season meanders through the streets of historic Otrobanda.

Youth and Teenager's Farewell Parade (19^th February 2006)
On this official holiday, the kids have the chance to show off their Carnival finery for the last time.

Farewell Grand parade (20^th February 2006)
The carnival season closes with one last parade. The nighttime March has a special magic and floats are festooned with sparkling lights. At midnight, effigy of King Momo is burned, as per the legends, pleasing the gods.

Youth Closing Party and Awards (23^rd February 2006)

Closing Party and Awards (24^th February 2006)