WILLEMSTAD - The Gran Marcha, the big parade, will commence on Sunday at 13:00 instead of 11:00, as announced by the Ministry of Education, Science, Culture, and Sports (OWCS) in a press release.
"Due to the number of groups participating, the parade will start at least two hours later," stated the OWCS Ministry. This year, considerably fewer groups are participating compared to previous years. The decision was made by the ministry to allow groups and the public more time to prepare on Sunday morning. Additionally, the ministry urges groups to ensure that all participants, trailers, and other vehicles are at the agreed location on time so that the parade can start on schedule.
It is expected that the last groups, due to the late start time, will only finish after midnight.
The decision was made in consultation with the Ministry of Justice, the police, the Association of Curaçao Carnival Groups (VCC), and the Curaçao Carnival Development Foundation (SOCC).