If you’re on Bonaire in January or February, you’re in luck: it’s carnival season. For weeks the island moves to the beat of tumba music, with glittering costumes, colourful floats and parades that turn Rincon and Kralendijk into one big street party. Here’s everything you need to know about Bonaire Carnival 2027.
When Is Carnival 2027?
The main carnival days on Bonaire in 2027 run from Saturday 6 February to Tuesday 9 February. The season already kicks off in January with the opening, the Tumba Festivals and the election of the carnival royalty. It traditionally ends on the Tuesday before Ash Wednesday with the burning of King Momo.
| Date | Event |
|---|---|
| January | Carnival opening, Tumba Festivals (children and adults), Jump-ups and the Reina, Prins & Pancho elections |
| Late January | Children’s Parades in Rincon and Kralendijk (about a week before the main parades) |
| Saturday 6 February | Grande Parade in Rincon (afternoon) |
| Sunday 7 February | Grande Parade in Kralendijk (Playa) (afternoon) |
| Tuesday 9 February | Grand Farewell Parade in Kralendijk (evening), followed at midnight by the burning of King Momo |
Exact start times are usually announced shortly beforehand. Feel free to ask us when you pick up your car.
The Highlights
Tumba Festival
Every carnival starts with music. At the Tumba Festival, local artists compete for the honour of writing the official carnival song of the year (there’s a children’s edition and an adult edition). The winning song is played at every parade, so by the end of the season you’ll be singing along too.
Reina, Prins & Pancho elections
During the season the carnival “royalty” is chosen: the Reina (queen), the Prins (prince) and Pancho, both for children and for adults. They lead the parades in spectacular costumes.
Children’s Parades
About a week before the big parades, it’s the kids’ turn. In both Rincon and Kralendijk the youngest participants dance through the streets in their own costumes. It’s very charming and great to see if you’re travelling with children.
Grande Parade: Rincon and Kralendijk
The highlight of the season. On Saturday 6 February the Grande Parade dances through Rincon, the oldest and most historic village on the island. On Sunday 7 February it’s the turn of the capital, Kralendijk (Playa). Expect hours of music trucks, handmade costumes, dance groups in feathers and sequins, and a crowd that dances along. Watching along the route is free.
Grand Farewell Parade and the burning of King Momo
On Tuesday 9 February the season ends with an evening parade through Kralendijk. At midnight, on the night before Ash Wednesday, King Momo (Rei Momo), the large carnival figure, is burned. With him, according to tradition, go all the worries of the past year. Then carnival is officially over until next year.
Is Carnival a Public Holiday?
No. Carnival is not an official holiday on Bonaire. Shops and supermarkets are mostly open as usual. The roads along the parade route are closed during the parades, though.
Getting to Carnival by Car: Our Tips
Carnival means busy roads and closed streets. With these tips you’ll get there relaxed:
- Come early. The best spots along the route fill up quickly, and so do the parking spaces nearby.
- Park outside the centre and walk. Roads along the route are closed during the parade. Park a few streets away, so you won’t get stuck when you want to leave.
- Leave extra time for Rincon. On Saturday 6 February the road to Rincon gets busy. Leave on time and park at the edge of the village.
- Expect traffic after the parade. Everyone leaves at the same time. Have a drink or a bite to eat first and leave when it’s quieter.
- Bring water, sunscreen and a hat. The afternoon parades are long and the sun is strong. Many locals bring folding chairs.
- Don’t drink and drive. Carnival is a party, and the rum punch is generous. Arrange a designated driver or take a taxi.
Combining Carnival With the Rest of the Island
Carnival weekends are a great time to discover more of the island. Rincon is the gateway to Washington Slagbaai National Park (closed on Mondays, last entry 2:30 PM, Nature Fee required: see our Nature Fee 2027 guide). After a long parade day, enjoy the sunset at one of Bonaire’s best sunset spots.
Want to move freely between the parades in Kralendijk and Rincon? Check our car rental Bonaire options and reserve early, because Carnival week is one of the busiest weeks of the year.
Book Your Car Early
January and February are high season, and carnival makes it even busier. Cars on Bonaire often sell out during this period. Book early: at 123 Car Rental you can cancel for free, so you don’t take any risk. Every rental includes 100% coverage, no deposit and no deductible, and we’ll pick you up at the airport.