This weekend marked the conclusion of the 71st Carnival, with luxurious parades in Oranjestad and San Nicolas, and finally, the burning of Momo.
On Saturday, the Grand Parade took place in San Nicolas. By 12:00 PM, the police, together with SMAC, officially started the parade. There were nine groups, a last lap, and approximately 3,000 participants.
At 5:08 PM, the head of the parade arrived at Joe Laveist Sport Park, and by 7:32 PM, the parade came to a stop after the truck of the Empire group encountered issues. A decision was made to stop the band’s music and the last lap, according to the police. This was done for everyone’s safety, as night had already fallen.
Sunday marked the official closure of Aruba’s 71st Carnival celebration. A majestic parade filled with energy, joy, and dazzling costumes took over the streets of Oranjestad.
Starting at 11:00 AM, the grand parade in Oranjestad set off from the Aruba Entertainment Center. With a total of seven carnival groups, the festive atmosphere was present both on the streets and behind the barricades.
Massive Brassband opened the Grand Parade of Carnival 71 in a special and beautiful way. TOB Carnival Group led the parade, accompanied by the Aruba Carnival Queen as well as the Senior Carnival Queen. The second group was Dushi Carnival Group, which accompanied the Youth Carnival Queen. The third group was Champagne Carnival Group; the fourth was Aruba Tourist Carnival Group; the fifth was OPC Carnival Group; the sixth was Colours Carnival Group; the seventh was Los Laga Bai Carnival Group; the eighth was Empire Carnival Group, and the last group was Royal Carnival Group.
At the end of the parade, as is customary every year, the Burning of Momo took place, officially bidding farewell to Carnival 71.
