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KARNAVAL
Curacao’s carnival might not be as famous as Rio’s but it sure is a lot of fun and now travelers can get into the action, too. Karnaval (that’s how the locals spell it) is a special time of year. It’s a Christian festival
that is celebrated around the world and the length differs by country. In Curacao it begins on New Year’s Day but the highlight is the Festival di Tumba, which is when the island's musicians compete for prizes in a contest held one week before Ash Wednesday (which is the beginning of Lent). Some of the events include the crowning of a king and queen, street parades, concerts and parades for children. The main events take place on the Sunday and Tuesday night before Ash Wednesday. This week is so popular that the city swells by 20,000 to 30,000. That means it’s also the most expensive time of year to visit! Just recently, the Curacao tourism board began encouraging visitors to partake in Karnaval. In fact, that’s why we (myself
and other travel writers) were invited to visit and experience the fun of Karnaval – so we could help get the word out. Last year, they hosted Miss USA and Sports Illustrated model/TV host Estelle Reyna . I know what you’re thinking — too bad I wasn’t invited on that trip. I’m with you!
TAKI TIN
This year’s Karnaval featured 31 different floats. Planning begins 11 months in advance competing for a grand prize. Each group is responsible for their float, which means taking care of decorations, costumes, makeup, Tumba band, bar, and food/drink runners. I
was in the "Taki Tin" group (meaning "Here it is") we had about 20 runners alone who played a key role delivering food and drink to each participant. On the bus ride
to the parade, I couldn’t understand why the runners had different food and drink tags on their hats. Well, I quickly found out when the parade
started. The music
is so loud (be sure to wear earplugs) that the only way marchers know what the runners are carrying (beer, rum, vodka, Red Bull, water, iced tea, pigs in a blanket, cheese rolls …) is by the labels. Duh! Visitors are pretty much allowed to join any group but arrangements need to be made months in advance. Note other groups
might require rehearsal so you will need to arrive in advance. The tourism board has a deal with the Taki Tin group because they are not only the biggest (over 200 participants), but also the cheapest (it costs just 750 NLG [$400 USD] to join, which includes the fitted costume, transportation, food/drink for the two parades. Note: Other groups
can cost
up to
3,000 NLG ($1,800 USD). Because Taki Tin has no intention to win best float (They are too busy having fun) so they are not strict on marching and no practice is required. The Taki Tin group is so funny – not only are their costumes
the ugliest, (they are different every year like everyone
else’s) but they don’t march in sync. While the othergroups
appear professional, marching
in a straight
line, our people were all bunched together
and it got worse whenever we marched by a hill. That’s because everyone would dart
for it (leaving the group is a big no-no!), run up and dance. This year’s Taki Tin theme was appropriate: Last-Minute. That’s why the costumes look like they were thrown together with one sleeve and one pant leg.
GRAND PARADE The Grand Parade
is the BIG event. If you’re tourist, don’t even bother trying to get a taxi on this day because almost everyone
is at the parade (close to 100,000 people attend) or they’re at home watching it live on TV. I
was warned that the Grand Parade was going to involve non-stop dancing and drinking from at least 10am to 6pm. The 4-mile parade
route moves very slowly
and I seriously have never danced so much in my life (even more than when I was in Ibiza, Spain
with my brother and cousin A.J. in the mid 1990s). Most of the dancing is shuffling
and jumping
but it gets tiring, especially with the hot sun beating down
on you. I was so tired
that I skipped the farewell parade two evenings later. It’s apparently just as crazy but without the sun. When the festivities end at midnight, they blow up an effigy of King Momo. This officially marks the beginning of Ash Wednesday and it is time to fast until Easter. Next year’s main parades take place on February 3rd and 5th. For those who want to see the colorful costumes but don’t want to participate in the parade, you can do it in style by joining others in the Curacao Tourism booth
for $65 USD a person. This fee includes a front row seat, food, drink and a definite good time.
IF YOU GO
Bring earplugs, sunscreen, and comfortable/disposable shoes.
VIDEO
Here’s a 4-minute Johnny Jet Video
of my trip to Curacao. It's also on YouTube, so it takes only a few seconds to load (though the quality is not as crisp). We also have all the Johnny Jet videos ever made on their servers.
NEXT WEEK Next week, we travel back to L.A. then to Hollywood Beach, Florida before flying out of the country again. I will give you a hint where we’re going; to get to this destination we will fly right over Curacao and the country’s national pastime is soccer.
*If you heard about us somewhere else or have the link to the story please email Johnny Jet media and let us know where!
SOME OF LAST WEEK'S READER AIR-eMAIL
I love reading all the stories. Leslee C - Memphis, TN
I enjoy reading your newsletter each week. Andrea B -
I enjoy reading your newsletters and pictures about your travels, so thanks for the writing! You recommended an airline discounter, Cheap Dutch Guy, that is good at getting the lowest priced business and first class international airline tickets. Are they still around, as I looked for them online, but couldn't find them. Thanks, Herman H - REPLY: Nope the website went under but the man behind it John Dekker still sells discounted first and business class travel. His number is 1-800-JohnnyJet (800-564-6695).
I want to be reincarnated as you! Pamela J. – New Jersey
I really enjoyed reading your posts especially your last post regarding Tulum. I went to Tulum last April which was wonderful! The boyfriend is no longer but I’ll definitely have to go back again! Anyway, just thought you’d appreciate it and keep up the great site. I am off to go search your site on Italy information now… Bon voyage, Emily
Sorry, but I have to agree with the comments submitted by Burt S. from New Jersey. While I thoroughly enjoy your newsletters, they are becoming increasingly irrelevant when it comes to the type of travel that we can afford as a middle income couple. I have been a loyal reader for many years and have noticed the trend towards upscale properties. I'm also curious as to why you rarely mention any evening activities such as nightlife, shows, or other types of entertainment. I get the impression that you're "off the clock" at 6:00pm. The luxury hotels that you regularly visit during your travels are becoming too similar to the hotels and destinations that the glossy travel magazines feature on a monthly basis. Are you selling out, JohnnyJet? Debbie
Johnny, as I read today's newsletter, I was struck by how Burt S. of New Jersey expressed the exact sentiments I've been feeling over the past several months. I've been subscribing to your newsletter since the "early days." I've always enjoyed your tips on how to get more out of my airline miles, and your accounts of places around the world--some of which I've visited, and some of which I merely lust over! I compliment you on your writing, and I congratulate you on your success. However, as the travel you describe has turned increasingly toward media junkets to zillion-star hotels and resorts in far-flung, expensive locales, my enthusiasm for your newsletter has waned. Perhaps it's a conscious effort on your part to attract more upscale readers; perhaps you haven't realized what has happened--especially since the change has been gradual. With Burt S. and thousands of other readers, I'm sure, I say: Don't cancel my subscription. But please don't forget us--the people who have enjoyed your newsletter all these years and have rejoiced with your successes and mourned your losses. (I still miss Amber Airplane!) We'd love to have at least a little of the old Johnny Jet back! Thanks for sharing your passion for travel with all of us. --Marvin E., Hickory, North Carolina
Maybe it was coincidental, maybe not, but this letter was more reminiscent of the early (and relatable?) Johnny Jet. Your trip to San Fran was on the mark with good things to do that were not extraordinarily expensive. I also enjoyed Carly's escapade to Laughlin. I've been there numerous times and she did it justice.
Thanks again to you both and keep us po' folks in mind as you all meander the globe. We just returned from Cancun (Dreams resort) and had a great time and weather to match. Good luck in your quest for the AA platinum. - Burt S – New Jersey. REPLY. Thanks Burt, for the feedback and kind words. I actually wrote that newsletter a couple weeks back so it was just coincidental. No matter what, I always try to add tips and experiences that will benefit all of my readers. I know that’s an impossible task but I am still trying to find my niche. Many of my trips are sponsored, which I am upfront about unlike so many magazines/newspapers who claim they don’t take sponsored trips but in reality, their writers are either on the same, fully-funded trip as I am, or they are taking a media rate which is a joke in itself – a $700 room will go for $99. To be clear: I’ve never not reported on the actual experience. I realize that sometimes, I may be getting a skewed view; believe me, I know when that happens because I used to be on the other side, where I was the one arranging sponsored trips. But no matter what: the airline, hotel, attraction, destination -- you name it -- I call it the way it is, regardless who is paying. My overall goal is to provide real, accurate, and useful travel information for those planning trips and for those who can’t travel for whatever reason (money, fear, disease …). I hope that my newsletter is a chance for people to forget about their problems and get away for the short time they are reading my stories. I spend a lot of time writing each week and I write as if I am sending it to a good friend (which is how I think of everyone on my email list) and I try to deliver the information in an entertaining and enthusiastic way. Travel is a gift. I realize that I am one of the luckiest people alive to have my "job", health, family, and friends. I cherish all the feedback I get (bad and good) and always encourage it. Thanks for logging on. Your friend (and travel companion), Johnny Jet.
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