Carnival in Aruba is one big Caribbean party, a world-class festival and to those who have never experienced it. It is celebrated with such passion matched only by World Cup soccer.

It's music is vibrant, colorful and bright-hued and the thing that makes Aruba's carnival one of a kind, is that visitors all are part of the ongoing scene.

Queen contests, huge reaches of musical competition, all spirit you into the early morning hours to go on for days and weeks.

'Jouvert Morning', the ultimate Caribbean street celebration, food feasts, and more amazing parades every year, all lead up to the Grand Parade held in Oranjestad the Sunday before Ash Wednesday.

Two events that also draw appreciative crowds are the Grand Children's Parade, which is a huge get together of several districts, social clubs and schools and the Lighting Parade, a unique night affair to remember, where people are decorated with beautiful lights.

No words can describe the beauty of Aruba's children, magnificently costumed, dancing to big band sounds and the creatively decorated floats, which stretch the visual imagination. Be prepared to oh and ah with feelings of joy. The Lighting Parade goes to the farthest point of dazzling glittery show time with miles of lighted fantasy floats and lavishly stunning costumes; a kaleidoscope of light in the Carnival beat, shining brightly in the night and a tribute to the Arubian feeling of splendor.