One of the most unique carnivals in the world is in the Caribbean. This is the Curaçao Carnival, which is characterized by its brisk street parades, exuberant shows and entertainment for all ages.
Throughout history, communities around the world have participated in traditional rituals and ceremonies, while the festivities of the modern carnival are filled with food, music and joy in colorful parades and street marches. Carnival of Curaçao is no exception, rivaling other countries.
"The Curaçao Carnival season is electric and takes the game to the island," says Ghatim Kabbara, CEO of the Tourism Board of Curaçao.
"The annual Carnival celebration is a cultural event in a class of its own. Through music, food, street parades and pageantry, the Carnival is the largest and most important cultural manifestation of the island of Curaçao. We invite travelers from all over the world to come to the island at this time of year for an unforgettable experience. "
Visitors from all over the world line up on the parade route, which starts on Rooseveltweg Street and ends on the Pater Eeuwensweg Street.
There are two large parades, one during the day - Gran March de Curaçao ("The Grand Parade") - and the March Farewell ("the March Farewell") that usually is at night. The latter has a special magic - floats are decorated with bright lights and at the end of the parade at midnight, the Momo (a big doll stuffed with straw) burns.
This Carnival usually lasts until the eve of Ash Wednesday and the characters include the Carnival Queen (who represents Mother Earth, the symbol of fertility and peace), the Momo King (symbol of the Infertility, sins and bad luck, this king full of straw is burned in a spectacular ritual at the end of Carnival and the Prince and Pancho (they are two "leaders of the city").