The Carnival of Bonaire
The Carnival of Bonaire, also known as the Karnaval is a yearly event what lasts almost a month.
The Carnival, just as the others in Latin America and the Caribbean states, begins right after the Christmas and New Year holidays and involves each citizen from the tiny island of Bonaire where even the kids can take part in the events and the competitions.
Each year the Carnival of Bonaire attracts more and more tourists. If you wish to take part in the month-long celebrations of the local culture, you better hurry with paying the Bonaire Tax – the visitor tax mandatory for every foreign visitor to the Island.
The rich program includes local dance and music, environmental activities, children and adult workshops, and a defile of the Carnival Queen.
In 2023, the Carnival will end on February 21st. The culmination of the festivities is the finale – a mix of colors, sound, parades…
The Reina and the Prens ku Pancho – the souls of the Karnaval
Each Carnival has a Queen and a King. And Bonaire chooses from its most talented citizens. The election is done during two separate competitions where adults and young people can have their try.
The Carnival of Bonaire starts with the election of Prens ku Pancho – the King and of Reina of Karnaval – the Queen. All can try becoming a Queen and a King.
Reina of the Karnaval
Whoever wins the title Queen of the carnival becomes the official ambassador of Bonaire’s culture during the festive period.
To become the Queen, the women will have to win the public with an inspiring speech. To win the title, participants must present a stimulating and creative message to the public. Their costumes also take part in the competition.
During the Grande Parade, the Queen will be standing on top of a large platform Carried by a trailer.
Prens ku Pancho
The election of the King of the festivals is made after the men wishing to become Prens ku Pancho compete in pairs sending funny, sketch-like messages to the audience. The winner gains the Key for the official opening of the Carnival and the title King of the Karnaval of Bonaire.
The King too becomes ambassador of the event.
Festival di Tumba
Festival di Tumba starts just after the ambassadors are chosen.
The Tumba festival celebrates not only the local music tradition but also the essential of people of Bonaire virtues.
Each song sung on Tumba should contain a message. The winning song should not only be of a pleasant melody, but it should contain meaningful lyrics in the style and the traditions of the Island of Bonaire.
Kids too can take part in the song contest. The winning song will be the anthem of the Karnaval and will be played during the whole event.
You can detect the Queen and the King by the crowns they wear and scepter in the Kings hands.
Be part of the Carnival of Bonaire
As you may guess, the celebration of the Bonaire’s culture attracts many visitors from all over the World but mainly from the Netherlands, Aruba, and Curaçao.
The endless music often with different DJs invites people to “jump-ups” and “jump-ins”. The Jump Ups are the fixed parties while Jump Ins take place on the Island’s streets.
Bonaire Carnival with teenagers
Teenagers are welcome to show their dancing skills and funny costumes and make-up too.
What makes the Carnival of Bonaire suitable for kids is the fact that it’s shorter than the others in the region. Although the largest part takes place during the night, there are always lots of lights.
Dance with the little ones
The children of Bonaire too have worked hard to prepare for the carnival. Costumes, make-up, and accessories, the kids will take part in the Parade too.
Kirst in the city of and the in the capital Kralendijk (12 February 2023), the kids from the whole island are one of the most important participants of the Carnival of Bonaire.
Enjoy the senior parade
An important part of the parades during the Carnival of Bonaire are the elderly citizens of the Island.
Those who have taken part in the Carnivals during the years and know it’s history, they do deserve a special day to celebrate the culture of their home place. The senior citizens of Bonaire have their own dedicated parade where the younger generations greet them while the most experienced ones fill the streets of Kralendijk to show their costumes.
The Grand Parade
Just like the children’s parade, the Grand Parade where all adults gather will begin in Rincon. It is normally shorter than the one that takes place the next day in Kralendijk. Be sure to get to the parades in time to choose a perfect place to watch from but also to dance.
The burning of King Momito and King Momo
The beginning of Lent marks the end of the Carnival. Some days before the Great Fast starts, the Grand parade will retrace the routes on which all the parades have passed to finally get to Kralendijk stadium.
This is where, at midnight, the big and fat papier-mâché figure of King Momo will be burned. The burning symbolizes the elimination of sins, misfortune, and infertility that need to go before the Great Lend begins.
The burning of King Momo is when participants and guests gather, play, sing, and dance, a joyful union to celebrate the Island of Bonaire’s tradition and heritage.
Program of the Carnival of Bonaire
For the times and route of each parade and event, visit the Klave Facebook page.
Useful Tips
Plenty of food and drinks are offered on the sidewalks to the guests of the Karnaval. Music on the streets full of people walking and dancing, this is the atmosphere the tourists will see during this part of the year.
The day after the Great Carnival Parade for adults, most of the venues are closed. If you are visiting with small kids or if you are sensitive to loud sounds, do not forget to wear your ear plugs.
Sunscreen is also necessary as the events happen in plain air. Stay well hydrated during the shows! You will dance and sweat in the warmth of the sun. You’ll need energy to follow to the rhythm of the locals.
