Bonaire, like several other islands, celebrates its annual carnival early each year.

Usually, we exit one set of festivities and begin another without much time to catch our breath. But we’re not complaining. We love our annual Bonaire Karnaval which continues to reflect our cultural heritage. By visiting our island and joining us in our celebrations, many get a glimpse of our ancestral origins.

For example, each year, with eager anticipation locals and visitors enjoy our traditional music, with the annual children and adults Tumba music festivals. Next, there are the various jump-ins which offer a night of dancing in the streets and a chance to indulge in tasty local cuisine. Of course, nothing beats our grand parade and the kaleidoscope of colours that fill the streets. It’s a time when bright pinks, blues, yellows and more adorn bodies bathed in glitter and frolicking, some wildly, to loud music.

Then, all too soon, the season’s end is signalled by the arrival of the Burning of Momo. At midnight, we commit to removing all traces of the revelry as we embark on the solemn Lenten period.

Bonaire Karnaval is truly a spectacular and cultural affair, and this year’s carnival promises to be just as thrilling.

Here’s a list of the scheduled Bonaire Karnaval 2023 events as presented by InfoBonaire.

• 4 February 2023 – Tumba King and Queen Festival (Adults)

• 5 February 2023 – Tumba King and Queen Festival (Children)

• 11 February 2023 – Ricon Children’s Parade

• 12 February 2023 – Kralendijk Children’s Parade

• 18 February 2023 – Ricon Adult Parade

• 19 February 2023 – Kralendijk Adult Parade

• 20 February 2023 – Momo Parade (Children)

• 21 February 2023 – Momo Parade (Adults)

For more information on Bonaire Karnaval 2023, you can visit InfoBonaire.