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Carnival Monday Aruba 2027

Monday, February 8, 202712:00 (-04:00)San Nicolas & OranjestadEstimated· Pending official schedule
Pending official schedule. This date is estimated pending official confirmation from the organizer.

Aruba's official Carnival public holiday. Full-day festivities across San Nicolas and Oranjestad, with schools and most businesses closed. The date is fixed to the Christian calendar: always the Monday before Ash Wednesday.

About this Event

Carnival Monday (Lunes di Carnaval) is Aruba's only official Carnival public holiday — schools, government offices and most businesses close, and the day is tied to the Christian calendar: always the Monday before Ash Wednesday. In 2027 that lands on Monday, February 8. This is the one date in the Aruba Carnival calendar that SMAC confirms years in advance, since it's fixed by law rather than by parade organization.

What to Expect

Full-day festivities split between San Nicolas (the traditional Carnival capital of Aruba) and Oranjestad. Expect neighbourhood block parties, informal roadmarch trucks rolling through Bario Brasil and Playa Pabao, and family gatherings at home. Restaurants and bars open on limited hours; supermarkets and government offices are closed. It's a quieter, more community-driven day than Grand Parade Sunday — locals often describe it as 'recovery day for the family'.

Visitor Info

If you want the biggest crowd, head to San Nicolas — the Bario Brasil area hosts unofficial daytime processions and open-house parties. Oranjestad is quieter but the Plaza Padu and Wilhelmina Park benches turn into informal meeting spots. Public transport runs on a reduced holiday schedule; taxis are available but slower than usual. Sunscreen and water are essential (peak heat is 1-3 PM).

Organized by:SMAC — Stichting Maskarada Aruba Carnival

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Carnival Monday a public holiday in Aruba?
Yes. Carnival Monday is a legally-recognized public holiday in Aruba. Schools, government offices and most businesses are closed. Restaurants and bars operate on limited hours; ferry, tour and cruise operations run reduced schedules.
Are shops and supermarkets open on Carnival Monday?
Most supermarkets are closed all day. A handful of convenience stores at the airport and tourist strip stay open on reduced hours. Restaurants and bars in tourist areas typically open in the afternoon; kitchens often close earlier than normal.
Why is Carnival Monday on February 8 in 2027?
The date follows the Christian Lenten calendar: Ash Wednesday is 46 days before Easter Sunday, and Carnival Monday is always the Monday immediately before Ash Wednesday. In 2027 Easter falls on March 28 → Ash Wednesday is February 10 → Carnival Monday is February 8. The date shifts each year but the formula is fixed.
What's the difference between Carnival Monday and Grand Parade Sunday?
Grand Parade Sunday is the tourist-facing headline event — one big organized parade through Oranjestad with dozens of troupes, roadmarch trucks and the biggest crowds. Carnival Monday is the community day — smaller informal roadmarches, family gatherings, closed schools and offices. If you want the spectacle, go Sunday. If you want to experience how Arubans actually spend their Carnival, go Monday.
Last updated: 2026-08-10