Despite the blazing temperatures, thousands of participants and spectators take to the streets of Oranjestad and San Nicolas for the annual carnival. For over a month public life comes to a screeching halt in Aruba and the biggest party of the year is full of street parties including the Lightning Parade, a twinkling nighttime extravaganza, which is by far the highlight of the event. Despite its huge size it's still fun to watch the giant rolling music machines and the unbridled enthusiasm of the participating groups. The midnight burning of King Momo, a life-size effigy of the spirit of the Carnival, signals the end of the season.