DVG emphasizes guidelines on noise pollution during the carnival season.

These guidelines form a policy framework developed with the input of various stakeholders. They provide guidance on noise levels at musical events such as carnival festivities and concerts, both indoors and outdoors. The intention is for these guidelines to serve as the basis for future enforcement of the Nuisance Noise Ordinance.

Hearing is essential to our overall health and daily functioning. Many people only realize its importance after experiencing hearing loss. Unfortunately, once hearing is damaged, it often cannot be restored. Therefore, it is important to protect our hearing while we still have it and, if part of one’s hearing capacity has already been lost, to take good care of what remains.

Each year during the carnival season, this topic resurfaces. The recurring question is: what constitutes a responsible noise level that helps preserve and protect the hearing of participants, musicians, spectators, and staff during musical events?

Enclosed indoor venues:
For the carnival season, the guidelines recommend limiting sound levels in enclosed indoor spaces to a maximum of 90 dB, measured from the front of the stage to the farthest point where the audience may stand.

Outdoor–indoor venues:
For outdoor–indoor events (jump-ins), it is recommended to limit sound levels to a maximum of 100 dB until 12:00 a.m., and 95 dB after 12:00 a.m., measured outdoors at the property boundary. The variation in decibel levels within this schedule is related to the provisions of the Nuisance Noise Ordinance of 1998.

Carnival parade:
With regard to noise control during carnival parades, the DVG advises a maximum sound level of 90 dB, measured at a distance of 10 meters from the speakers.

In previous years, DVG measurements taken during carnival parades near certain music groups recorded sound levels as high as 115 dB. Such levels are not only harmful to hearing but may also disrupt heart rate and cause stress and irritation.

These DVG guidelines are intended to serve as a reference for, among others, sound companies and their technicians, contributing to the protection of everyone’s hearing health.

For more information on these guidelines, you can consult the document “Guidelines on Nuisance Noise Standards for Musical Events.” 

For additional information

• Visit Facebook page Directie Volksgezondheid DVG Aruba;
• Follow Instagram at directie_volksgezondheid_aruba;
• Visit www.dvg.aw;
• Call 522 4200;
• Email service@dvg.aw.