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WILLEMSTAD, Curacao -- One of the first global carnivals of the year is also one of the most unique in the world. The Curacao Carnival, which kicked off in January, has been a flurry of spirited street parades, exuberant performances and entertainment for all ages.

Throughout history, communities around the world have engaged in traditional rituals and ceremonies, while modern Carnival festivities pay homage with bountiful food, music and merriment in colourful parades and street marches. Curacao’s Carnival is no exception, rivaling other countries for “world’s best” status.

“Curacao’s Carnival season is electric and brings the party to the island,” says Ghatim Kabbara, CEO, Curacao Tourist Board. “The annual Carnival celebration is a cultural event in a class of its own. Through music, food, street parades and pageantry, Carnival is the largest and most important cultural manifestation of the island of Curacao. We invite travelers from around the world to come to the island this time of year for an unforgettable experience.”

Curacao Festival season wraps up on February 13 with the Grand Farewell Parade, an all-day extravaganza to conclude the island’s biggest party of the year. Visitors coming to Curacao for Carnival will become familiar with the parade route, which starts on Rooseveltweg Street and ends on Pater Eeuwensweg Street. Curacao’s Carnival activities are ongoing so visitors currently on the island or planning to visit in the next week will have plenty to do and see:

• Friday, February 8, 2013 Teen Carnival Parade
• Saturday, February 9, 2013 Banda Bou Carnival Parade
• Sunday, February 10, 2013 Grand Carnival Parade "Gran Marcha"
• Monday, February 11, 2013 Children's Farewell Parade
• Tuesday, February 12, 2013 Grand Farewell Carnival Parade

With five flights daily departing from Miami International Airport on Dutch Antilles Express, InselAir and American Airlines, getting to Curacao for Carnival has never been easier. Non-stop Saturday flights are also available from various destinations; from Newark, NJ on United Airlines; from Charlotte, NC on InselAir; and from Toronto on Air Canada and WestJet.

Many hotels are offering deals catering to Carnival travelers.

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