Carnival 2024 on Bonaire

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This coming weekend is already here, Carnival will be celebrated again on Bonaire. Do you want to know when and where you should be to see the beautiful parades? We have made an overview of when the parades are. We also give you some tips for celebrating carnival on Bonaire in 2024.

Carnival is originally a Catholic festival, celebrated prior to Lent. Most of the inhabitants of Bonaire are Roman Catholic. Hence, Carnival is exuberantly celebrated on the island. The parades during Carnival are fantastic and must be seen. The participants of the parades walk in beautiful costumes. With glitter, feathers and other decorations in all kinds of colors. The walking groups are accompanied by music, mostly made by bands. The parades always draw lots of crowds. In short, Carnival is one of Bonaire's most popular celebrations.

Tip: Want a nice spot along the route? Then be on time! Well in advance people install themselves along the route with chairs and coolers. 

Where and when carnival on Bonaire in 2024?

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Want to know where to be during Carnival this year? Below is the schedule of Bonaire's main parades. The parades are divided into parades with children, teens and adults. 

The weekend of February 11, 2024 is officially Carnival. But on Bonaire, two children's parades are held the weekend before. After the carnival weekend, two farewell parades will also be held, one with children and one with adults. These are held at night, with the costumes of the participants beautifully lit up. Highly recommended to attend. 

The parades are held both in Kralendijk and Rincon. In both places, the parades move through the streets of downtown.

Schedule Carnival 2024 on Bonaire

Saturday, February 3,  3:00 - 6:00 PM Children's parade in Rincon

Sunday, February 4,  3:00 - 6:00 PM Children's parade in Kralendijk (Playa)

Friday, February 9,  8:00 - 0:00 PM Teen parade in Kralendijk (Playa)
Saturday, February 10,  2:00 - 6:00 PM Adult parade in Rincon
Sunday, February 11,  1:00 - 6:00 PM Adult parade in Kralendijk (Playa)

Monday, February 12,  6:00 - 11:00 PM Farewell parade children in Kralendijk (Playa)
Tuesday, February 13,  8:00 - 0:00 PM Farewell parade adults in Kralendijk (Playa)

Tip: Have you ever celebrated carnival in the Netherlands or another country? Then you might be used to dressing up in a funny or crazy costume. On Bonaire this is not really common, most people watching the parades are not dressed up.

Tumba festival

Prior to the carnival period, Bonaire hosts a Tumba festival. Tumba is a local type of music found on Aruba, Bonaire and Curaçao. The origin of this music is in Africa, after which it arrived in the ABC islands via slaves.

Picture: Canva

During the Tumba festival, musicians compete against each other. The winner, the one who makes the best Tumba music, may call himself Tumba king of that year. His music will therefore be heard regularly during the parades. During the competition there are two categories: adult and youth. Both Tumba kings also walk during the parades.  

Tip: The volume of the music is sometimes very high during the carnival parades. Be kind to your ears and wear ear protection.

Jump ups and jump ins

On Bonaire, in addition to the Tumba festival, several jump ups and jump ins are organized prior to Carnival. These parties are considered "warming up" for the Carnival festivities. Both parties are known for their Tumba music, good food and drinks and dancing. Jump ins are organized at a fixed location. Jump ups are short parades that move through the streets. 

Carnival the Dutch way

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Of course, there are also places on Bonaire where you can celebrate Carnival the Dutch way. Think exuberant and crazy costumes, a hopping crowd, lots of beers and wines and a polonaise. Want to celebrate carnival Dutch style? Famous spots include Little Havana and Beer & Burgers. 

RE/MAX Paradise Homes wishes everyone a great carnival!