(Oranjestad)—Carnival season is coming to an end and the community is preparing to celebrate the last two major festivities that close out the biggest season of the year. These are the Grand Carnival parades in San Nicolas and Oranjestad. It will surely be a weekend full of atmosphere and color, but we must also keep our safety in mind.
Below are a few tips to protect yourself and your family during the final days of Carnival 72.
Children under 5 years old should stay home!
This may be a controversial topic, but it’s important to mention. The reality is that children under 5 years old do not enjoy Carnival the way adults do; it is a very busy day, the music is too loud, there are too many people crowded together, and they are surrounded by adults consuming alcohol, among other things. All of this creates an unsuitable environment for a child. For this reason, it is recommended to leave small children at the hotel, whether with family or friends who will not be attending the parade.
Know your limits and always have a designated driver
Speaking of alcohol consumption, it is important to know your limits and stick to them. We know Carnival is a festive day, and alcohol consumption is inevitable. Even so, it is advised to avoid excessive drinking and, if you choose to drink alcohol, make sure you always have your designated driver friend; the person at a party or celebration who is designated not to drink alcohol so they can safely take home those who have been drinking.
Protect your skin and your ears
Although many people think it is important only for children to wear earplugs during Carnival, it must be emphasized that this is just as important for adults. The safe decibel limit for our hearing is around 70 dB for a prolonged period. However, large events such as a parade can generate up to 120 dB of noise, which can cause irreversible damage to our hearing. Therefore, be conscious about wearing earplugs and protecting your ears during the parade.
Another important part of the body to protect is your skin. Aruba is known for its hot sun, and during the major Carnival parades, people are more exposed to the sun’s rays and can burn much more easily. It is important to wear sunblock (at least SPF 30) and reapply it several times during the parade. It is also advisable to wear a hat, sunglasses, and clothing that can protect you from the sun. Remember that sunblock must be reapplied every 1–2 hours to ensure proper protection.
Hydrate yourself; drink water!
In addition to consuming beverages such as alcohol, juice, or soft drinks, it is also important to stay hydrated with water. Be mindful to drink water from time to time to prevent dehydration.
Don’t wait, seek help!
Finally, we would love to inform our visitors that during the parade there will be police patrols and Red Cross volunteers to assist anyone with a medical emergency. If you feel unwell or strange, do not wait to get help—seek assistance from personnel immediately! This can prevent serious consequences for your health.
Aruba Today once again urges you to take care of yourself and those around you. Carnival is an integral part of our culture, and we enjoy it much more when we celebrate it in a safe and healthy environment!
