SAN NICOLAS STREETS GLOW WITH COLOR: 2026 CHILDREN’S PARADE AND BURING OF MOMITO

SAN NICOLAS, Aruba — The “Sunrise City” lived up to its name yesterday, Sunday, February 8, as the 72nd Aruba Carnival season continued its journey through the streets of San Nicolas. Thousands of spectators lined the sidewalks to witness the Grand Children’s Carnival Parade, a vibrant display of youth creativity, culture, and pure island joy.

The parade, which kicked off at 1:00 PM from the Joe Laveist Sport Park, featured hundreds of kids and young “carnivalistas” dressed in spectacular, shimmering costumes. From tiny butterflies and superheroes to intricate themes representing Aruban nature and folklore, the children danced with tireless energy to the infectious rhythms of local soca hits.

Highlights of the Afternoon

The event was a true family affair, characterized by:

• Youthful Royalty: The 2026 Children’s Queens and Kings led their respective groups, showcasing elaborate road-pieces and floats that rivaled the adult parades in detail.
• Local Rhythms: Music trucks and brass bands provided the heartbeat of the parade, with special appearances by this year’s Youth Tumba and Roadmarch winners, including Melody Franken and Dacing Cay, who delighted the crowds.
• Community Spirit: Unlike the larger capital parade, the San Nicolas edition is cherished for its intimate, community-driven atmosphere, where neighbors and families cheer on the next generation of Carnival traditions.

The Burning of Momito

As the sun began to set over San Nicolas, the festivities transitioned from the road to the Aruba Carnival & Entertainment Village for one of the season’s most symbolic traditions: the Burning of Momito.

At approximately 8:30 PM, the spirit of the children’s Carnival—embodied by the effigy of Momito (the “little” King Momo)—was set ablaze. This ceremony marks the official end of the children’s portion of the Carnival calendar.

“The Burning of Momito is a bittersweet moment,” said one local parent. “It’s a way for the kids to say goodbye to the magic of the season, while teaching them the cycle of renewal that Carnival represents. We burn the old to make room for the new next year.”

What’s Next?

While the children have had their final “jump-up,” the adult festivities are only just reaching their peak. The island now prepares for a high-intensity week leading into the Grand Parades:

The energy remains high as Aruba moves toward the final “burning” next Sunday, which will officially close the 2026 Carnival season before the start of Lent.