Curaçao

It's already been 111 years since this date was first observed worldwide in due tribute to the longstanding battle of the working people for their demands.The commemoration was first held in Paris to honor the memory of the Chicago Martyrs, a bunch of workers that was dragged to the gallows, charged with demanding an 8-hour working day.In the mid 19th Century, retellers of that moment say, both in Europe and in America, in the emerging industrial factories, workers were forced to accept 12-to-14-hour working days, six days a week, even for children and women in toilsome jobs amid a poisoning and unhealthy environment. European immigrants coming to America in search of a better life, only managed to shake the dregs of the old feudal system off their backs in return for the ferocious appetite of a fledgling Capitalism that was dramatically profiting from the increase of the day’s working hours. Poor British immigrants were the first ever to spread social unrest among their brethren, and they brought to America the struggle they had started back in England for the 8-hour working day.

As all carnival celebrations hinge on the magic and coloring of its parades and street parties and roadmarches, the Grave Festival adds an extra attraction to this celebration in Curazao. This musical event gathers together the best local songwriters, singers and vocal bands for a four-day party. These artists vie for their compositions to be labeled the year's Carnival Roadmarch Official Song. In January, the carnival's official opening takes place, with several activities in Willemstad, as well as the election of the Carnival's King or Queen at the Festival Center.All through the month of February, a variety of kids' festivals take place. The Children's Farewell March is just one case in point. Adults see carnivals off with the Carnival Farewell March on the Tuesday afternoon before Ash Wednesday. The tradition consists of a nightly parade whose special magic is the chariots festooned with light bulbs. The celebration wraps up with the typical Burning in Effigy of King Moo. But before the night is over, a huge number of coast-to-coast parties and celebrations are held on the island. Ban Topper: A traditional midnight parade Banda Bou March: Carnival on the island's westernmost end kicks off in the city of Barber. Grand March: A whole day of fun in the streets of Willemstad. Carnival March Tips: This is a parade and roadmarch route that varies year in and year out. It’s always cross Otrobanda, though.