WILLEMSTAD – The Vereniging Bedrijfsleven Curaçao (VBC) is urging companies to grant employees a half day off next Tuesday to allow them to safely participate in the farewell Carnival parade. The association advises businesses to close around noon to ensure staff can join the festivities without traffic and safety concerns.
According to the VBC, nearly three-quarters of its members support the earlier closure. The association emphasized that Carnival is more than a celebration — it is a moment where culture, economy and community come together.
Beyond its cultural significance, Carnival represents a substantial economic driver for Curaçao. Research indicates that direct expenditures by Carnival groups are significant. The adult parade alone accounts for an estimated 12.3 million guilders in spending, while the teen parade contributes approximately 2.1 million guilders and the children’s parade nearly 1 million guilders.
Economic impact extends beyond the participating groups. Spectators lining the parade routes generate an estimated 12.5 million guilders in spending, with an additional 1 million guilders linked to jump-ins and related activities. In total, Carnival is estimated to generate nearly 30 million guilders in direct spending, with the parades accounting for approximately 16.3 million guilders of that amount.
The VBC is therefore advocating for a more comprehensive economic study by the Institute for Small and Medium Enterprises Curaçao (ICUC) during and after the Carnival season. The association believes that a deeper analysis could better capture indirect effects and further highlight the importance of Carnival to both the economy and society.
It was previously announced that government employees will receive a half day off on two Carnival days: Friday, February 13, during the Teen Parade, and Tuesday, February 17, for the farewell parade.
The VBC’s appeal signals growing recognition within the business community that supporting Carnival participation can be both culturally meaningful and economically beneficial.