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Party Carnival Karnaval
On February 19 in 2023 we watched the Grand Carnival Parade “Gran Marcha” in Curaçao. It was a colorful spectacle full of music, dance, joy and laughter. The paraders were dressed up in wonderful customes. On foot, they went all the way from Santa Maria to Otrobanda, supported by vehicles carrying refreshments and complete music bands. The route was filled with spectators. Most of them brought their own coolers with food and drinks, chairs, umbrellas and even party tents. Enough shade and refreshments were very necessary, because it was a very hot day. Everybody waited patiently for the parade to start, since it was delayed for over an hour. Once the party broke loose, the parade went on for hours. Everybody was having a blast watching the displays and dancing to the music.
Curaçao has a long history of Carnival parades, dating back to 1872. You can read more about the history of Carnival in Curaçao on the website of Fundashon Desaroyo Karnaval Kòrsou. We noticed some Dutch influences in the parade, but the style of the parade was predominantly Latin American. The Gran Marcha is not the only Carnival event in Curaçao. The Carnival season started already on January 7 this year with an opening event. It The Carnival period begins with several royalty election events and beauty pageants. Then there is the musical Tumba Festival, the Horse Parade, the Youth Carnival Parade, the Teens Carnival Parade and the Bandabou Carnival Parade. Finally, there is a Youth Farewell Parade and the season ends with the Farewell Parade, this year on February 21. So, if you are a big Carnival fan, clear your calendar for about six weeks at the start of the year and book a ticket to “One Dushi Island”.
