Oranjestad and San Nicolas, Aruba · January 9 to February 7, 2027
Aruba Carnival
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Aruba Carnival
When is Aruba Carnival 2027?
Aruba Carnival 2027 is expected to run January 9 to February 7, 2027. The dates follow the usual pattern and are not announced yet.
2027January 9 to February 7, 2027Expected
How the dates are set: The organizing committee, SMAC, publishes the program each year; the Grand Parades fall on the weekend before Ash Wednesday.
Aruba Carnival schedule
- January 9, 2027: Torch Parade, listed on the Aruba.com 2027 Carnival Parade schedule.
- January 17, 2027: Fantasy Parade, listed on the Aruba.com 2027 Carnival Parade schedule.
- January 23, 2027: Children's Parade in Noord, listed on the Aruba.com 2027 Carnival Parade schedule.
- Grand Parades: The San Nicolas Grand Parade is the day before the Oranjestad Grand Parade, which is held on the Sunday before Ash Wednesday. The season ends with the burning of King Momo after the Oranjestad parade.
- Monday, February 8, 2027: Carnival Monday, a national holiday.
Sources: aruba.com, tropicdrive.com
Getting to Aruba Carnival
- Roads along the parade routes close early and traffic is gridlocked afterward. VisitAruba advises leaving the car at the hotel, taking a taxi as close as it can get, and walking the last stretch.
Source: tropicdrive.com
Where to stay in Oranjestad and San Nicolas
- Noord is one base for the main parade routes: close enough to reach Oranjestad in minutes, but quieter at night.
Source: arubaboutiqueapartments.com
Tickets and cost
The parades are public and free to watch. Private viewing areas called kavels, hotel viewing packages and marching with a group cost money.
Source: tropicdrive.com
History of Aruba Carnival
Carnaval (SMAC) is the official body organizing Aruba's Carnival. The 2027 edition is Carnival 73.
Source: isladicarnaval.com
Aruba Carnival: questions people ask
When is the Aruba Carnival Grand Parade in 2027?
The Oranjestad Grand Parade is held on the Sunday before Ash Wednesday, and Ash Wednesday is February 10, 2027. The San Nicolas Grand Parade is the day before.
Is Carnival Monday a holiday in Aruba?
Yes. Carnival Monday is a national holiday and falls on February 8, 2027.
Is Aruba Carnival free to watch?
Yes. The parades are public. Private kavels, hotel viewing packages and marching with a group cost money.
Can I drive to the Aruba Grand Parade?
You can, but roads along the route close early and traffic is gridlocked afterward. VisitAruba advises leaving the car at the hotel and taking a taxi.
Where does Aruba Carnival take place?
The main events are in Oranjestad and San Nicolaas.
Sources: tropicdrive.com, arubaboutiqueapartments.com
About Aruba Carnival
Weeks of parades, music and costumes across Aruba, peaking with the Grand Parades in San Nicolas and Oranjestad.
Aruba Carnival is a season, not a weekend. It opens in early January with the Torch Parade and ends with the burning of King Momo right after the Grand Parade in Oranjestad. The Grand Parades are in San Nicolas and Oranjestad on the weekend before Ash Wednesday. The practical catch is that roads close early on parade days, so taxis beat driving.
Know before you go
- Roads along the parade routes close early; VisitAruba advises leaving the car at the hotel and taking a taxi.
- Carnival Monday is a national holiday.
- Queen Beatrix International (AUA) is about 10 minutes from Oranjestad by car.
Planning the trip
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