Aruba Carnival

Aruba's carnival runs for two months rather than a weekend, starting in early January and building through torchlight parades, jump-ups, the Lighting Parade in San Nicolas, children's parades and the election of queens, to the Grand Parades in San Nicolas and Oranjestad on the final weekend. It ends before dawn on Ash Wednesday with the burning of King Momo, an effigy representing carnival itself, after which the season is over. It began in its modern form in the 1950s among the refinery communities at San Nicolas and has grown into the island's biggest annual undertaking.

What you actually see

• The Grand Parade - the final Sunday in Oranjestad, the largest of them.
• The Lighting Parade - illuminated floats and costumes at San Nicolas.
• The jump-ups - street parties through the season in different towns.
• The burning of King Momo - before dawn on Ash Wednesday, ending it.

When to go

The season runs from early January to Ash Wednesday, with the Grand Parades on the final weekend. Dates move with Easter. Accommodation for the final weekend books out and prices rise.

Honest expectations

The Grand Parades run for many hours in full sun and finding shade along the route is difficult; bring water. Roads close and traffic across the island is severe. Costume group membership is expensive and must be arranged months ahead. Hotel prices peak for the final weekend.

Nearby

Oranjestad and San Nicolas hold the main parades; every town has its own events.