A couple of weeks ago I wrote in a message saying there was no party life on Bonaire, I am sorry that I put it the way that I did, I meant it to be humours and not offenses to anyone or to the people of Bonaire. I really thought maybe everyone was talking about the nightlife like you would find in a Houston, Texas night club (screaming wild drunks, throwing beer bottles at the band,fighting ect!! !! !!) Personally I could party any time, any day here in the states, but I can only dive in Bonaire ones a year and do not wish to waste anytime doing anything eles, except talking to people, I love to talk ! ! ! Bonaire is my very favorite island and the only one that I would ever consider moving too, if she would have me. I have met many wonderful people on Bonaire and hope to meet many more. Again I am sorry that I offended some of you in my statement of no party life on Bonaire, Bonaire in its onself is a 24/7 party! ! ! May God Bless You All ! ! !

Randy: I've had the pleasure of visiting Bonaire twice, and both times, it was Mardi Gras week. We really enjoyed Carnaval - the parades are amazing: kids and adults of all ages, genders and colours - they all have a ball in wonderful "home-made" costumes celebrating every aspect of Bonaire life. You can tell that everyone is putting their whole heart into this and of course, the music is fantastic. So if you would like to experience party life on Bonaire, come for Carnaval.

Hey Pat,
Which week is mardi gras?

Hi! Greg: I am not really qualified to deliver a lecture on religious feast days and when they occur! Easter is a "moveable feast" - it is preceeded by Lent, which is 40 days long and before THAT comes Mardi Gras. Easter is a different date each year - so to find dates of the Carnaval in Bonaire, you will have to search a calendar site to find out when Mardi Gras will happen in 2009. The parades (there are several!) take place during the weekend just before Mardi Gras (or Fat Tuesday) Phew! Hope this is not too complicated!

Greg, check at www.infobonaire.com
under Calendar
Carnaval is in February 2009
14 Carnival- Youth Parade: Rincon
15Carnival – Youth Parade: Playa (Kralendijk)
21 Carnival - Adult Parade: Rincon
22 Carnival- Parade Playa: Playa (Kralendijk)
23 Carnival Monday (legal holiday)
24 Farewell Youth Parade
25 Farewell Adult Parade

just wondering what goes on during carnival as we will be there ! i have the parade schedule.....any other information out there...positives and/or negatives? Would love to "experience" whatever takes place!

Laura: From the point of view of a tourist, the parades are "the" event. Do not miss them! We were in Bonaire Feb 08 on the day of the closing parade for the adult participants (there is also a children's parade). This was wonderful!! Send me your email - I will forward some photos. The main street in Kralendijk is narrow, so you are just inches away from the participants in the parade. The costumes are very colourful, very creatively put together and they are obviously the work of individual participants - not professional costume designers. This makes them altogether much more appealing and reflective of Bonaire culture and interests. The people taking part in the parade are clearly having the time of their lives - if they see your camera pointed in their direction, they very obligingly stop and pose for you! The music is of course very lively, not to say deafening! Repeat - do not miss the parades!