For Carnival 2026, Hats off to Dreams invites the community of Curacao to embark on a journey across the Atlantic to the Iberian peninsula: The land of Flamenco, Picasso and Gaudí. Throughout history, diversity and tradition have danced and intertwined to create a rich tapestry of cultures, traditions, art and architecture that make Spain distinctive in the world.
All of these elements are represented in our costume, from the Spanish Gypsies “Los Gitanos” to the expressive Art Form of Flamenco. The various costume styles represent different influences of Spanish historic traditions, culture, music and art.
‘Duende’ is a term often used in Spain to describe the power of expression. It is a force that speaks through intense emotion and passion beyond words. It is a quality that must be found within oneself, requiring deep understanding and vulnerability and the audacity to surrender completely to the moment. Once duende is unleashed, it captivates audiences with its raw and untamed power and emotional intensity. Check out our 2026 costumes below:
check out what our past costumes looked like below:
In February 2025, the Carnival group “Hats off to Dreams” proudly celebrated its fifth anniversary — five years united by a shared passion for creativity and culture.
With the theme “Kandela: Burning Passion,” the group aimed to inspire everyone to reflect and ask themselves: “What ignites your fire to pursue your dreams?”
Celebrating the elemental force of fire — the same energy that has fueled human progress for millions of years — KNDLA embodies passion, inspiration, and the unstoppable drive to act.
Over the past five years, our group has flourished into a vibrant family. Through our latest creations, bursting with fiery colors and intricate designs, Hats off to Dreams invites you to explore your inner flame and embrace your creative passions, reigniting the spirit of Curaçao Carnival.
Check out our 2025 costumes below:
In 2024 HOTD grooved back to the '80s dance floors! Remember that iconic Disco ball and those rad tunes? Nightclubs were the ultimate party zones, and DJs ruled with their vinyl spins.
The '80s weren't just about music - think boomboxes, cassettes, EXTRAVAGANT fashion, and oh-so-cool accessories. And that shiny Disco ball? It's our costume's star, designed with HOTD’s unique flair. We relived the ultimate party! Check out our 2024 costumes below:
HOTD’s 2023 carnival theme shined a light on HOTD’s vision; “Revolutionizing Curaçao's traditional and cultural carnival event by pushing the boundaries of what’s possible.” With this theme, we invited everyone to step outside of the barriers they know so we together can inspire the next generation!
At the same time, we could not ignore the global covid-19 pandemic during which many souls were lost and we found ourselves confined to a “new normal”. In moments like these we can easily get discouraged, but “HOTD un(caged)” reminds us to reflect, Rise Up! and #SoarToNewHeights
For Curaçao Carnival 2020 Hats off to Dreams brought you to the world of glamour and extravagant ‘couture’. We transported you back to the 18th century where Rose Bertin, the french fashion designer to Queen Marie Antoinette, can be accredited for bringing ‘haute couture’ (high fashion) to the world. For the 50th edition of carnival we brought you nothing less than ‘HOTD COUTURE’, a bold reimagination of ‘couture’.
To celebrate Curaçao carnival 2020, Hats off to Dreams designed a Royal family crest, an emblem representing our story.
The Hats off to Dreams crest featured (from left to right)
Sign of interdependence (acknowledging that we are all connected),
Black unicorn (a nod to the strong woman everywhere),
DiviDivi tree (homage to our Curaçao roots),
HOTD pattern (celebrating the HOTD family)
and 6 stars (6 founding members) framed in a delta symbol (representing change).
For the 49th edition of the Curaçao carnival, our debut year, we were inspired by the box office hit
"Black Panther." Below you'll find our interpretation of this award-winning movie translated into carnival costumes, ‘THE ROYAL WARRIORS OF WAKANDA.’
