Ensuring public order during Carnival 71.

The Aruba Police Force (KPA) and SMAC started the grand parade in Oranjestad, which SMAC dedicated to the KPA, at precisely 11:00 AM.

Carnival 71 featured the participation of nine groups, with approximately 3,000 participants taking to the streets dressed in an endless variety of fantasy costumes. Additionally, the Aruba Police Force (KPA) deployed 220 personnel on foot, including uniformed police officers, the Riot Police (ME), the Motor Unit, the K-9 Unit, the Mobile Command, O.C.C., the Flex Team, the Traffic Department, the Planning Department, the Criminal Investigation Department, administrative staff, and personnel from CEA.

There are always some viewers who act inappropriately, even though the great majority of people come to Carnival to take in the spectacle. The police took thirty-six persons into custody during the Grand Parade. The arrests were made for various charges, such as fighting, defying police instructions, being intoxicated in public, possessing drugs, and carrying a bladed weapon.

Compared to 2024, when 41 arrests were made, Carnival 71 had fewer arrests. 
Additionally, the Motor Unit was active in conducting traffic controls, focusing on driving under the influence after the parade. They carried out controls before, during, and after the grand parade. Several drivers were inspected, leading to 13 arrests, with nine drivers having their licenses revoked. Compared to 2024, the number of traffic-related arrests remained the same.

Total Arrests

As part of their analysis, KPA compared the total number of arrests from Carnival 70 and 71:

• In 2024, there were 134 arrests during Carnival 70.
• In 2025, there were only 87 arrests during Carnival 71.

It represents a decrease of 35%, indicating that our community behaved responsibly during this year’s Carnival.

KPA is satisfied with these results and thanks our community for making this possible!