Aruba's Carnival!
Courtesy I2UIY
Since its introduction in the 1940’s by Trinidadian immigrants who came to work in Aruba at the former Lago Oil Refinery in San Nicolas, Carnival has become a festivity that reveals the many influences that have shaped the Aruban society today. The annual, pre-Lenten celebration reveals cultural, social and political aspects of the Aruban society.
Through aspects such as tourism, industry, migration, and adaptation, Aruba has grown to become a multi-cultural, flexible entity. The Aruban community, over the years, has absorbed bits of cultural elements from countries such as Brazil, Venezuela, Colombia, Holland and the United States and transformed it into a unique Aruban blend of creativity and rhythm, that today characterizes Aruba’s world famous Carnival celebration.
© John Frings
The largest cultural celebration consists of nearly two months of costume and float making, queen elections, Calypso and Tumba contests, and numerous other contests and activities scattered about the island in anticipation of the luxurious Carnival parades. Parades where local talents come alive in the form of exuberant costumes and magnificent floats that mesmerize onlookers, locals and visitors alike.
On behalf of the happy people of Aruba we invite you to indulge into our concoction of cultures and enjoy the colors and jubilation that makes our Carnival festival so special!
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