Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
The ABC Carnivals
Today, all three islands host large Carnivals that draw huge crowds and
fill every hotel room. Colorful parades and all-night dances take over the
streets. Carnival Queens represent the antique deities of Mother Earth
and preside over the Gran Marcha held on the last Sunday of the Carnival
season. Elections are held to select Princes and Jesters, who are responsi-
ble for the safekeeping of the city keys.
Perhaps the most important events on Aruba and Curaçao are the annual
competitions held to select the original music that will be Carnival's road-
march theme song. The lead singer of the winning band becomes the
island's reigning Carnival King.
The celebrations end in a feverish flourish on Shrove Tuesday, the day
before Ash Wednesday, with a Farewell March, fireworks, and the burning
of Rei Momo, an effigy representing all that is evil.
Holidays
On official holidays, islanders take a day off. All government
offices and banks, most businesses and shops, and many res-
taurants are closed. If your trip coincides with a holiday, plan
to spend your time enjoying community events, visiting pub-
lic beaches, and eating in hotel restaurants.
All three islands celebrate the following official holidays:
January 1
New Year's Day
April 30
Queen's Birthday
May (1st Monday)
International Labor Day
December 25
Christmas Day
December 26
Boxing Day
Floating holidays celebrated on all three islands include
the Christian holy days of
Ash Wednesday
,
Good Fri-
day
,
Easter Sunday
,
Easter Monday
,
Ascension Day
.
On Curaçao,
Rosh Hashanah
and
Yom Kippur
are
observed in September/October by Jewish-owned shops
and banks.
Each island's tourist information office or website can provide an updated
list of holiday observances. Contact information is given in the Island
Facts & Contacts listings at the end of each island section.
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