For peerless Carnival partying,
Where to celebrate Carnival in the Caribbean
you need to go to the Caribbean, where each island has its own take on the celebration.
Carnival is about overthe-top, shed-your-inhibitions fun. Like Mardi Gras, it’s traditionally a last chance for excess before the solemn season of Lent for Catholics.
The annual bash is practically synonymous with Rio de Janeiro. But it’s also a big deal in the Caribbean, which isn’t one homogeneous destination. Each Caribbean island has its own history, cuisine, culture — and its own take on Carnival.
On some islands, the event is tied to Catholic traditions. On others, it commemorates slave emancipation or the harvest.
Some celebrations are held in February; others in the summer. One thing they all have in common: the chance to party like a local. Curacao Feb. 26-28
The pounding beat of African tumba music fills the air at a Carnival that’s lively but not as risque as the bashes on other islands. This is a Carnival you’d be comfortable taking the kids to.The Feb. 26 and 28 parades are a big deal. Some 60 marching groups stream down the streets of Willemstad, a capital city so picture-perfect you’ll think you’ve landed on the movie set for a quaint Caribbean island.
Two good spots to enjoy the festivities are the Carnival Dome, near the beginning of the parade route, and the Carnival Tribune, near the end. Both have seating, music, food and drink.
Curacao prides itself on making sure everyone can enjoy the party. Considered one of the Caribbean’s most gay-friendly destinations, it has hotels catering to gay tourists and an annual gay pride parade.
Where to stay: Sitting on a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Kura Hulanda Village (www.kurahu landa.com) features 18thand 19th-century buildings restored to their original splendor. Cobblestone paths meander through lush gardens filled with art and inviting pools. An onsite museum details how Curacao was once the epicenter of the slave trade in the Caribbean. Rates start at $180 a night during Carnival.
Insider tip: When it’s time to eat, head to the food stalls of Plasa Bieu, also known as the Old Market. www.curacaocarnival .info